Latin American Art Season builds cultural bridges in Beijing

China Daily

2026-10-10 05:00

The 2026 Latin American Art Season, organized by the China International Culture Association and China Arts and Entertainment Group, brought vibrant performances to Beijing's Chaoyang Park on Oct 6-7. Artists from Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile, and the Bahamas gathered to offer a rich cultural experience, highlighting the deepening connections between China and Latin America.

Since its 2013 inception, the Latin American Art Season has become a flagship event for cultural exchange between China and Latin America. More than 700 artists from 24 countries have participated in the past 11 editions, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. This year, the event spans Beijing, Hong Kong, and Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, creating a platform for cross-cultural dialogue.

Chaoyang Park's outdoor stage came alive with diverse performances. Costa Rica's Gassel Band delivered powerful rock anthems that embody resilience and hope. Colombia's Three-Quarters Hometown Ensemble showcased the unique Calangero style with guitar recitals. Ecuador's Mitayos Band blended Andean panpipes and marimba with Latin percussion, reflecting the rich heritage of Andean culture. Mexico's Boni Rey Band fused rock, rhythm and blues, and Western folk, offering thought-provoking contemporary Latin American compositions. Chile's Junio Jocol and Latin FM Band performed original Latin music, highlighting the new generation's creativity. Julian Believe of the Bahamas captivated audiences with a mix of traditional Bahamian music and rhythm and blues, infused with the spirit of the Junkanoo festival.

Beyond performances, artists engaged in cultural interactions with youth at the Soong Ching Ling Science and Culture Center, sharing insights into Latin American music and its roots. These activities aim to plant seeds of friendship between young people from China and Latin America.

The event's organizers emphasized that music is a universal language, bridging cultural gaps and enriching the lives of Beijing residents. After the Beijing leg, the artists will continue their tour in Hong Kong and Jinan, performing and engaging in cultural exchanges at various venues.

The 2026 Latin American Art Season effectively uses music to build bridges of understanding and friendship, bringing the vibrant cultures of Latin America closer to the Chinese public and strengthening the foundation for cultural exchange.