Latino traditions on tap at Peabody’s ‘¡Fiesta Latina!’

Dance, music, live animals, and art activities will highlight “¡Fiesta Latina!” — the Yale Peabody Museum’s 11th annual celebration of Latin American cultures. The event is also part of Yale’s inauguration weekend festivities for President Peter Salovey.

“¡Fiesta Latina!” will take place 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. There will be free admission and free parking for all.

This year’s program will focus on the artistic traditions of Latin America, including traditional and contemporary music and dance. The ensembles — all of whom will be dressed in authentic costumes — will perform in The Great Hall of Dinosaurs. Mariachi Connecticut will kick off the celebration, followed by Alisa’s House of Salsa; Carlos y su Momento Musical, performing merengue, salsa, bachata, and boleros; Peruvian dance by Tarpukuy Peruvian Art & Culture; Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Yale; and the youth orchestra Guakibomjazz. A complete schedule can be found on the Peabody’s website.

The whole family will enjoy a fossil dig, games, crafts, and face painting. Visitors can learn about Taino Culture, go “Sailing to Galapagos” with a storyteller, color flags, and decorate a Latin American bird.

In addition, there will be a presentation, “Fur, Feathers & Beyond,” with live birds in the Hall of Native American Cultures. Also on view will be specimens from Latin America in the Peabody’s vertebrate zoology and mineral collections, and Latin American artifacts from the anthropology collection.

“¡Fiesta Latina!” is sponsored by Univision, the Yale Center for Latin American and Iberian Studies, and the university’s Programs in International Educational Resources, with funding from a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional support is provided by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Giordano, and the Yale Latino Network Group. The event is also made possible with the support of the City of New Haven Mayor’s Community Arts Grants Program. 

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is located at 170 Whitney Ave. For information, visit the Peabody’s website or call Infotape at 203-432-5050.