Opening Night Performers 

Alma Raíz
Travel through the rhythms, stories, and traditions of Colombia with Alma Raíz. Accompanied by live music, this dynamic ensemble of dancers brings to life the cultural richness of Colombia’s mountains, rivers, and coasts through traditional dances rooted in Indigenous, African, and European heritage. A heartfelt celebration of identity, memory, and the diverse spirit of the Americas.

Aché Brasil Capoeira
Experience the vibrant spirit of Brazil with Aché Brasil! Combining Afro-Brazilian dance, live percussion, martial arts, acrobatics, and infectious rhythms, this high-energy performance is an explosion of colour, movement, and culture. Perfect for all ages, Aché Brasil celebrates Brazil’s rich cultural heritage through an unforgettable showcase of music, dance, and joy.

MNGWA Band
What happens when cumbia, salsa, funk, and psychedelic rock collide? MNGWA! Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Latin America and shaped by a spirit of experimentation, the band creates an infectious, groove-driven sound that transcends borders and genres. Join us for a high-energy celebration of rhythm, movement, and cultural connection.

October 17-18 Events

Canto Vivo Choir
Enjoy a joyful performance by Canto Vivo, VLACC’s Latin American community choir! Founded in 2017 and directed by Sérgio Pires, the choir brings together 34 singers from 15 countries. Their lively repertoire celebrates beloved Latin American songs in Spanish and Portuguese, sharing culture, connection, and community through music.

Muévete Marimbas
Get ready to move with Muévete! This talented group of young marimba players performs an energetic mix of original music and songs inspired by Latin America, Africa, and local artists. Playing entirely from memory, they bring passion, rhythm, and creativity to the stage in a performance that invites audiences to clap, dance, and join the fun.

Moonweavings
Long after they should be asleep, three young cousins reunited on a family summer vacation transform their beach cottage bedroom into a theatrical haven. Their imaginative play takes them through enchanting stories and Latin American children’s music.

Nahualli Folklore show
Nahualli brings the rich traditions of Mexican folk dance to the stage through colourful costumes, lively music, and dynamic choreography. Join us for a captivating journey through Mexico’s diverse regions, where cultural stories, traditions, and community spirit are expressed through movement, rhythm, and artistry.

Baile de Carnaval
Wrap up the festival with a festive Brazilian Carnival Dance Party! Featuring the irresistible rhythms of samba, including the traditional marchinhas de carnaval, and other beloved Brazilian genres, this colourful celebration invites everyone to dance, sing, and join the fun. Wear your favourite costume, bring your carnival spirit, and help us close the day with music, joy, and plenty of dancing!

When you buy a ticket for any YUPI! event you can also sign up for one of the many amazing workshop taking place that weekend. Check them out below!

La Libelula Workshop: “This is How Latin America Sounds”
“This is How Latin America Sounds” is a participatory art workshop presented as part of the Yupi Festival. Led by filmmaker and artist Yunuen Perez-Vertti and curator Fiorella Pinillos, participants will share songs, sounds, and memories of home while collaboratively creating a collective installation celebrating Latin American cultures, migration stories, and community connections.

Joy in Movement: Alegria en movimiento! – Dance Workshop
Move, play, and celebrate our Latin American roots! Join us for a joyful movement workshop for all ages, where music, creativity, and shared experiences bring us together. Through playful games and guided movement, we’ll connect with ourselves, our culture, and one another while building community, laughter, and belonging.

Capoeira Workshop
Join the renowned Capoeira Aché Brasil for a fun, interactive workshop and discover the unique movements of Capoeira! Founded by Mestre Eclilson de Jesus, the group has been teaching in Vancouver since 1990. Learn this dynamic Afro-Brazilian art form while exploring movement, music, culture, respect, and community in an inclusive environment.

Brazilian Carnaval Mask Workshop
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Brazilian carnival! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll build and decorate a mask inspired by the bold colours, patterns, fauna and flora of Brazilian life. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and leave with a wearable work of art.

Batucadinha Workshop
Make some noise and discover the rhythms of Brazilian Carnival with Batucadinha! In this fun, hands-on workshop, families will explore traditional Brazilian percussion, learn lively carnival songs, and create music together. Through rhythm, movement, and play, participants of all ages will experience the joy, energy, and community spirit of Brazil’s rich musical traditions.

Brazilian Carnaval Dance Workshop
Join Luciana for an energetic and uplifting dance workshop inspired by the vibrant traditions of Brazilian street carnival. Expect high-energy movement, sweat, elevated heart rates, and footwork sequences influenced by the rhythms of Frevo, Funk Carioca, Samba, and Ciranda. Through a combination of guided instruction, improvisation, and group exercises, participants will experience the joy, vitality, and collective spirit of these dance forms. Open to all ages and levels of experience.
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, supportive shoes suitable for jumping and impact, and bring a water bottle.

SHOW ADVISORY: If you have any accessibility needs, please reach out to our Box Office at boxoffice@phtheatre.org or 604-990-3474.

Illustration for the Yupi! Latin American Arts Family Festival by Odera Igbokwe. Photo by Chelsey Stuyt