MOLAA’s Afro-Latinx Festival Celebrates Cultural Intersections During Black History Month

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is celebrating the intersections of cultural diversity and tradition at their Afro-Latinx Festival. The festival highlights the African influences in Latin America through food, live performances, art workshops and more. This year’s festival will be held on Sunday, February 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to the public. 

“We are proud to host a festival that is rooted in embracing diversity and celebrates the connection of culture, community, and people,” said Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., President & CEO of MOLAA. 

Source: Museum of Latin American Art

A variety of performances that pay homage to the mixture of cultures will take place throughout the day. The lineup includes musical performances from Awahaya Punta Rockers, Tropi Corillo and GLIFOS, as well as a demonstration from ABADÁ-Capoeira Orange County. Guests will also be able to enjoy music from DJ Zuri Adia who will be spinning in MOLAA’s Viva Events Center.   

MOLAA has partnered with local community organizations including the Long Beach Public Library, the African-American Cultural Center of Long Beach, and Colour Bloc Creativ to bring engaging workshops and activities to the festival. This includes Cuentos y Cantos: A Bilingual Spanish Storytime, a panel discussion: Visioning the African American Cultural Center, and community zine workshops. Artist-led art workshops, which include making Venezuelan Dancing Devil Masks, Colombian Molas and more, will be available for participation throughout the festival. 

Source: Museum of Latin American Art

There will be a variety of Afro-Latinx inspired food and beverages available for purchase from participating vendors including The Triple Threat Truck serving Puerto Rican street food, The Tropic Truck serving Caribbean classics, Border X Brewing, El Cielito Café and more. Artisan vendors such as Nena’s Organics, Stuzo Clothing, and Bori Cubi will also be onsite.  

The Afro-Latinx Festival will be held at MOLAA which is located at 628 Alamitos Avenue in Long Beach. Guests are encouraged to use public transportation, bike or walk to the festival. A limited amount of onsite parking will be available at MOLAA for $10. For more information, visit MOLAA’s website at www.molaa.org or call (562) 437-1689.