Carnaval del Sol

Get ready to be immersed in the vibrant flavors, sounds, and traditions of Latin America this summer as Carnaval del Sol makes its splashy return, July 5–7.
The largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, this three-day cultural celebration embraces a new location at Mount Pleasant’s Jonathan Rogers Park, which will be transformed into a bustling hub of cuisine, arts, and entertainment fit for the entire family. Latincouver—a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Latin American culture in British Columbia—is the proud organizer of this and other can’t-miss experiences happening this July.

Friday, July 5: Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Party at the Granville Island Beer Plaza at Jonathan Rogers Park.
Let the celebrations begin! Dance the night away at the Carnaval del Sol Opening Night Party, hosted exclusively for adults aged 19 and above. Headlining this kickoff event is DJ Gambeat y la Grooving Familia, visiting from France with an electric performance that combines the genres of reggae, salsa, dub, and cumbia. An exciting lineup follows, with guest performers DJ Hera, and DJ La Zonida. Vancouver Pride Society presents dazzling drag shows by Mya, Malandro, and Visa (a Mexican drag queen known for competing on the third season of Drag Race España) to set the stage for a weekend of fun. Savour irresistible empanadas and churros (available for purchase), and raise a toast with a limited-edition Carnaval del Sol cerveza crafted by Granville Island Brewing. Tickets from $25 (online in advance) can be purchased at carnavaldelsol.ca.

Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7: Carnaval del Sol at Jonathan Rogers Park
A weekend brimming with flavour, rhythm, and creativity awaits at Jonathan Rogers Park! Discover the diverse talents and influences that make Latin America shine with over 50 immersive activities and 11 distinct plazas to experience.
Rhythms and beats fill the Mucho Burrito Plaza del Sol (Main Plaza), where live performances, and energizing concerts by acclaimed artists like Ivonne Ley (a Selena tribute artist), La Linea (playing salsa, meringue, bachata, and reggaeton), and Chesca (visiting from Puerto Rico) are hosted.
At the Food Plaza, guests can taste more than 30 authentic dishes from 20 diverse Latin American countries, including: Mexico; Peru; Colombia; Venezuela; Brazil; Chile; Guatemala; El Salvador; Spain; and Portugal. Look forward to trying new and familiar favourites, like: empanadas; tacos; arepas; tequenõs; paella; and much more.
This year’s newly featured Ascenda Indigenous Plaza immerses guests into the roots of salsa, cumbia, and other traditional Latin American dances through insightful discussions and unforgettable performances.

One- and two-day passes range from $17–$40, with FREE admission for kids under 12 and seniors 65+. A two-day VIP Experience Pass for $70 includes access to the Culinary Experience Plaza (with live chef demos), fast-track access to the Beer Plaza, an invitation to the VIP Plaza (where cocktail tastings, private washrooms and optimal main stage views are available) plus other perks. Check out the full Carnaval del Sol lineup and purchase tickets at https://www.carnavaldelsol.ca/.