On Sept 21, 2024, the "Latin American Arts Season" kicked off with the "Latin American and Caribbean Music Festival" at the Power Square of the 798·751 Art Zone in Beijing. Three bands from Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica, along with a folk dance troupe from Chile, showcased a vibrant artistic feast of Latin American music and dance to the audience in the capital during the golden autumn season.

On stage, the young female lead singer from the Mexican band, Pildora, took the microphone and enthusiastically greeted the audience with a loud "Hello, Beijing!" The band members, all young actors from the theater orchestra, came together through a musical and instantly formed a band. From metal rock to jazz, funk to pop music, each member of the band brought their own musical tastes and styles, showcasing a wide range of genres and igniting the passion of the audience.

Next up was the "Between Us" band from Panama, a group of energetic young men who captivated even more spectators. Growing up as friends, their music was stylish and diverse, blending reggae-funk styles with catchy and humorous lyrics, winning over the audience with their live performance.

The performance reached its climax with the appearance of the Arakania Folk Dance Troupe from Chile. Dressed in traditional ethnic costumes, the performers danced joyfully to lively Chilean folk music. The atmosphere at the 798·751 Art Zone Power Square was electrifying as everyone danced and mingled, creating a vibrant scene. The final act featured the highly acclaimed Kadho band from Costa Rica, whose album had previously won awards such as the ACAM Annual Rock Music Work and Rock Music Composer of the Year.

"The performers from Latin American countries were  so full of energy! So unique! I wish we could see performances like this every year!" Audience members at the event continuously expressed admiration, immersing themselves in the rich artistic atmosphere of Latin America.

The "Latin American Arts Season" is a flagship cultural exchange project between China and Latin America and the Caribbean. Since its inception in 2013, the event has invited over 700 Latin American artists from 24 countries to participate in cultural and artistic exhibitions and exchange activities in China, playing a positive role in promoting mutual learning between China and Latin America. The "Latin American and Caribbean Music Festival" held under the "Latin American Arts Season" brand has received widespread acclaim.

This year's event was organized by the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertaken by China Performing Arts Agency Limited, with events held in Beijing and Jinan, Shandong. After the Beijing performance, the three Latin American bands traveled to Jinan and performed at the Natural Square on the north shore of Daming Lake on Sept 23, engaging in exchange activities with local students.