Liverpool’s International Festival of Latin American Arts & Culture returns this October – bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians, theatre-makers, dancers, artists and artisans from across Latin America and the UK for an inspiring programme of live performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks and participatory events.
Established in 2018 by LUMA Creations, LA FERIA celebrates the many voices, traditions and contemporary cultures that make Latin America so unique. Through world-class artistic experiences, the festival creates opportunities for cultural exchange, shared understanding and meaningful connections between communities.
From Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th October 2026 audiences can enjoy a truly diverse programme of events – showcasing the richness of Latin America, in the company of some of the diaspora’s most exciting emerging talent.
The 8th annual LA FERIA launches at Unity Theatre on 7th October with Manuelita – a critically acclaimed one-person play that brings to life the remarkable story of Manuelita Saenz, the Ecuadorian revolutionary and trusted partner of Simon Bolivar. Through powerful storytelling, physical theatre, comedy and live music, the production explores the passion, courage and legacy of one of Latin America’s most influential historical figures.
The next two evenings will see two very different acts grace the stage at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall Music Room. Following their magical sold-out appearance at LA FERIA 2022, Camila y Silvio return to share another unforgettable evening of music, storytelling and cultural connection on October 8th, breathing new life into classic folkloric genres while honouring their Chilean cultural origins. Support on the night comes from PEREGRINOS – a pioneering Chilean duo, whose music brings together the rich traditions of Chilean folk with the creativity and spontaneity of jazz.
The following night brings Orchestra Mambo International – a powerhouse 13-piece Latin big band, formed in 2022 by renowned salsa DJ and promoter DJ Lubi Jovanovic and acclaimed trombonist/composer Jonny Enright. Bringing together exceptional musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil and the UK, OMI celebrates the golden age of mambo, salsa dura and Afro-Cuban jazz while injecting the music with a fresh, contemporary energy.
As LA FERIA enters the weekend, the festival will take over World Museum Liverpool for a day for all the family – featuring live music, dance, storytelling, workshops and participatory activities. Experience the Museum like never before as La Feria transforms its galleries into a vibrant celebration of Latin American arts and culture. Meet artists and practitioners from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond, as they fill the museum with infectious rhythms, captivating stories, colourful traditions and joyful encounters.
The same evening, Colombian DJ and Producer Killabeatmaker takes to the stage at District for a night of global rhythms – combining beatboxing, rap, vocals and live beats. Renowned for his energetic and interactive live shows, Killabeatmaker’s sound fuses traditional Colombian music with electronic production, urban grooves and deep bass. Also on the bill is rising Brazilian singer-songwriter MARI MERENDA, bringing her expressive voice and magnetic stage presence to the UK for the first time.
LA FERIA 2026 comes to a close on Sunday 11th October with A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA at The BLACK-E. Celebrate the energy, warmth and diversity of Latin American cultures as artists and communities come together for this free Finale Event – an unforgettable day filled with delicious Latin American cuisine, live music, DJs, dance, hands-on workshops and creative activities for all ages.
Whether you are discovering Latin American arts for the first time or reconnecting with your own cultural heritage, La Feria warmly welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience the colour, rhythm, stories and spirit of Latin America in the heart of Liverpool.
Throughout September and October firstly St George’s Hall then Unity Theatre will host Belonging – a celebration of the diverse voices and creative practices of UK-based artists of Latin American heritage. Bringing together a compelling collection of contemporary artworks, the exhibition explores themes of identity, memory, migration, home and cultural connection, offering insight into the many ways belonging is experienced and expressed.
Reflecting both personal and shared histories, the works reveal how culture is preserved, reimagined and passed between generations while continually evolving across places and borders. Through a rich range of visual languages, Belonging invites visitors to consider the connections that shape who we are and the communities we create.
LIVE PROGRAMME
MANUELITA by POPELEI
Wednesday 7th October, 8:00pm
Unity Theatre
Tickets Here
Manuelita is a critically acclaimed one-person play that brings to life the remarkable story of Manuelita Saenz, the Ecuadorian revolutionary and trusted partner of Simon Bolivar.
Through powerful storytelling, physical theatre, comedy and live music, the production explores the passion, courage and legacy of one of Latin America’s most influential historical figures. Through a compelling blend of theatre, movement, humour and live music, the production brings to life the passion, courage and resilience of a woman who played a pivotal role in Latin America’s fight for independence.
Performed by Tamsin Hurtado Clarke with live music from acclaimed Colombian guitarist, Camilo Menjura, Manuelita has captivated audiences internationally and received widespread critical acclaim, including the prestigious Top of the Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Festival.
18 year old Argentinian/British musician, ELI ROWLEY opens the event by bringing Argentinian folklore and Andean music to life through the ronroco, a larger member of the charango family.
Inspired by artists including Gustavo Santaolalla and Jaime Torres, Eli combines traditional rhythms with original arrangements and compositions. Performed solo, the ronroco’s haunting, resonant sound takes centre stage, showcasing the instrument’s versatility while introducing the audience to a distinctive instrument rarely heard in the UK.
CAMILA Y SILVIO + PEREGRINOS
Thursday 8th October, 8:00pm
Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tickets Here
CAMILA Y SILVIO return to La FERIA Festival with their award-winning sound, deeply rooted in Andean and Latin American folk traditions. Blending rich musical heritage with a fresh, vibrant and youthful perspective, the duo creates performances that transport audiences through breathtaking landscapes, shared histories and the universal emotion that connects us all.
Known for their warmth, authenticity and captivating stage presence, Camila y Silvio breathe new life into classic folkloric genres while honouring their cultural origins. Their acclaimed debut album, En el borde del la Noche (2019) earned the prestigious 2020 Pulsar Award for best Root Music Artist in Chile; establishing them as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary folk music.
Through both recording and live performances, Camila y Silvio have become celebrated for preserving and reimagining Latin American musical traditions for new generations.
Following their magical sold-out appearance at La FERIA 2022, they return to share another unforgettable evening of music, storytelling and cultural connection.
PEREGRINOS is a pioneering Chilean duo formed by Raimundo Santander and Rodrigo Recabarren, whose music brings together the rich traditions of Chilean folk with the creativity and spontaneity of jazz. Drawing on more than a decade of artistic collaboration, they have developed a distinctive sound that honours their cultural roots while exploring new musical landscapes through improvisation, rhythm, and storytelling.
Through acclaimed releases such as Peregrinos and Haciendo el Fuego, the duo has earned recognition for their innovative approach to contemporary folk music. Their performances offer audiences an immersive journey through Chilean culture, blending tradition and experimentation to create.
ORCHESTRA MAMBO INTERNATIONAL
Friday 9th October, 8:00pm
Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tickets Here
Orchestra Mambo International (OMI) is a powerhouse 13-piece Latin big band formed in 2022 by renowned salsa DJ and promoter DJ Lubi Jovanovic and acclaimed trombonist/composer Jonny Enright. Bringing together exceptional musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil and the UK, OMI celebrates the golden age of mambo, salsa dura and Afro-Cuban jazz while injecting the music with a fresh, contemporary energy.
Inspired by Latin music legends including Tito Puente, Machito, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto and Tito Rodríguez, the band has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting Latin music ensembles.
For their first ever performance in Liverpool, the band will be joined by Venezuelan vocalist Carlos Peña and special guest vocalist Claritzel Miyares from Cuba. Expect an unforgettable evening of explosive rhythms, soaring brass, infectious grooves and authentic Latin passion from a band that brings the spirit of Havana, New York and beyond to life on stage.
WORLD MUSEUM TAKE-OVER
Saturday 10th October, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
World Museum Liverpool
FREE ENTRANCE
Experience the World Museum like never before as La Feria transforms its galleries into a vibrant celebration of Latin American arts and culture. Throughout the day, the museum will come alive with live music, dance, storytelling, workshops and participatory activities, creating an unforgettable journey through the rich cultures, traditions and creativity of Latin America.
Meet artists and practitioners from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond, as they fill the museum with infectious rhythms, captivating stories, colourful traditions and joyful encounters.
Whether you’re dancing to live music, discovering new cultures through hands-on activities, or sharing stories with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
*Presented in partnership with the World Museum and the Global Cultures Collections Team as part of the Cuerpos del Tiempo project
KILLABEATMAKER + MARI MERENDA
Saturday 10th October, 8:00pm
District
Tickets Here
KILLABEATMAKER is a music producer and performer from Medellín, Colombia, whose sound fuses traditional Colombian music with electronic production, urban grooves, deep bass and global rhythms. Renowned for his energetic and interactive live shows, he combines beatboxing, rap, vocals and live beats, alongside a talented band featuring Guadalupe Giraldo on percussion, Colombian gaita and vocals, and Julian Ramírez on percussion and backing vocals.
Over the past two years, KILLABEATMAKER and his band have completed three European tours, performing in more than 70 cities and appearing at major festivals and cultural events worldwide. Following award-winning performances across the international circuit, the group will continue touring in 2026 with key appearances across North America, Canada, India and Europe, captivating audiences with their innovative blend of Colombian tradition and contemporary electronic music.
On her first visit to Liverpool and the UK, the rising Brazilian singer-songwriter MARI MERENDA brings her live performance with music from ‘Reverbero’ (latest EP) with an expressive voice and a magnetic stage presence, Mari breathes new life into contemporary Brazilian music. As a multi-instrumentalist and singer, Mari will be playing the piano and the asalto (a traditional West African percussion and rhythm instrument ). She will be performing with Gulherme Monteiro (bass, guitar & vocals)
A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA (Festival Finale)
Sunday 11th October, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
The BLACK-E
FREE ENTRANCE
Join us for the spectacular FINALE of La Feria 2026 at The Black-E— A Celebration of the Cultures and Arts of Latin America for the whole community, making it the perfect way to close this year’s festival.
Experience an unforgettable day filled with live music, DJs, dance, hands-on workshops, delicious Latin American cuisine and creative activities for all ages. Celebrate the energy, warmth and diversity of Latin American cultures as artists and communities come together for one final Finale Event.
Enjoy outstanding live performances from artists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond, showcasing the incredible sounds, rhythms and traditions that make Latin America so vibrant.
Artists include: El Guapo & Catriona Price (Argentina, Scotland), ArtPer UK Dance Co (Peru), Wayta Sisa (Ecuador), Inti Tusuy Dance Co (Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, UK) and Colibri (Mexico). Come and celebrate with us – everyone is welcome!
VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMME
Visual Arts Exhibition: Belonging
9th – 26th September: St George’s Hall Visitors Centre
7th October – 6th November: Unity Theatre, Hope Place
FREE ENTRANCE
Belonging is a celebration of the diverse voices and creative practices of UK-based artists of Latin American heritage. Bringing together a compelling collection of contemporary artworks, the exhibition explores themes of identity, memory, migration, home and cultural connection, offering insight into the many ways belonging is experienced and expressed.
Reflecting both personal and shared histories, the works reveal how culture is preserved, reimagined and passed between generations while continually evolving across places and borders. Through a rich range of visual languages, Belong invites visitors to consider the connections that shape who we are and the communities we create.