The 18th edition of the Latin American Christmas Festival Sal y Dulce was held on December 7 at Holy Innocents Roman Catholic Church in Hunting Park, offering a day filled with tradition, music, food, and family activities that brought together hundreds of people in a festive atmosphere. The event, organized by Acción Colombia and hosted by Haydeé Rosario and Julio César Largo, once again illuminated the holiday season with the strength of Latin culture.
Leity Rodríguez, from Acción Colombia, highlighted the importance of this celebration for the community: “It is an enormous joy to bring everything into one place: our culture, our food, our music, and our feelings, wrapped in a communal embrace. To our community, I say that together we are firm and we can keep moving forward. We face difficult moments, but they are not insurmountable.”
As every year, the festival brought to Philadelphia the emblematic Noche de las Velitas, a tradition in many Latin American countries in which candles and lanterns are lit to welcome Christmas. The audience enjoyed this symbolic moment accompanied by music, food, and community elements that define the festival’s special character.
The artistic program began with Moisés Linares, “El Querubín,” a Peruvian singer who performed beloved classics, connecting with the audience through nostalgia and folklore. He was followed by the group Tonantzin y un Poco Más, directed by Pamela Plata, who presented a dance performance featuring girls and young women who proudly showcase their roots.
Local talent also took the stage with singer and producer Kevin Guzmán, an artist of Colombian and Mexican heritage who has shared stages with figures such as Andrea Bocelli and Aretha Franklin. Guzmán performed original songs like Delilah and Ven Pa’ Acá, earning applause from the public.
Cali-style salsa arrived with the group Son de Cali, directed by Jeison Granobles, dazzling the crowd with acrobatics and the energetic flair typical of the Cali style. Later, La Banda de José—made up of Nicolás García, Jorge Gómez, and Eduardo Durán brought lively Latin American Christmas rhythms that energized everyone in attendance.
One of the most special moments of the festival was the Candle Lighting Ceremony and the performance of the 2025 Latin American Christmas Choir, a program of Gente de Venezuela Philadelphia that brings together older adults to preserve traditional music. Under the direction of Alex Moreno, the choir celebrated its fifth consecutive year at the festival.
The event also highlighted local entrepreneurs and vendors who offered crafts, cultural products, and traditional food.
“This festival allows us to share our roots and bring the flavors of our homeland,” said Denis Gil and Juan Ocampo of Flavor Memories Import, a distributor of Colombian and Venezuelan products.
The day concluded with the Lantern Contest, followed by raffles and special acknowledgments to sponsors and volunteers.
With an atmosphere of unity, diversity, and celebration, the Sal y Dulce Festival reaffirmed its role as one of the most representative Christmas events for the Latino community in Philadelphia.
