My Recap of Fiesta DC 2025

Written by: Michelle Calderon

One of several decorated parade floats at this year's Fiesta DC Parade (Michelle Calderon).

I attended the second day of the annual celebration, Fiesta DC, and was blown away by all the energy and love that the performers brought to the event. 

Fiesta DC is a lively celebration of Latino culture, which has taken place in Washington, D.C., since the 1970s. This year’s festival took place from September 27 to 28 and featured live performances, including one by Mexican singer Ana Bárbara, a parade representing each Latin American country, a marketplace filled with handmade goods and a variety of Latino food vendors. 

During the parade, I felt the most energetic display came from Bolivia. 

They had big smiles on as they danced to their traditional songs. 

Their apparel was incredible, as the female dancers graced the streets of D.C. in short, sparkly, green dresses. They also wore high sparkly boots, and despite how challenging moving in high heels can be, these ladies made it look effortless. 

The introductory banner of Colombia as they begin their section of the parade (Michelle Calderon).

Colombia also brought a lot of energy and pride to the festival. 

I noticed that many of the attendees were dressed in Colombia’s flag colors and attire, such as the Colombian soccer jersey. As soon as it was Colombia’s turn to take part in the parade, nearly the entire audience cheered. Colombia’s section started off by showcasing their flag. Dancers then took over the streets, wearing traditional clothes. For an adorable mix, their group also included young children. 

One group of dancers taking part in the parade were rehearsing for hours prior to the parade. Using a section of the street as their dance studio, they practiced and perfected their moves. Their hard work paid off as they delivered a smooth performance, dancing to the beat of their traditional songs under very hot weather. 

Colombia’s marchers even paid tribute to the resilience and perseverance of their people. 

One of their performances was inspired by the theme, strength of the jungle. Per an Instagram post shared by Julieth Herrera, their intention with this performance was to show the bravery of Colombians, including those who are immigrants. The dancers, decorated in wild animal gear, wore cheetah-printed dresses with animal hats. 

“As a Colombian and a migrant queen, I’m proud to represent those who turn music into dance, challenges into opportunities, and dreams into reality,” Herrera said. 

A truck decorated in Salvadoran flags preparing for the parade (Michelle Calderon).

One of my favorite sections was El Salvador, my home country. 

El Salvador’s display included a float carrying the live band, Marito Rivera Y Su Grupo Bravo, with signs that read “Unidos Somos Mas Fuertes,” or “United We Are Stronger,” honoring the bravery and resilience of Salvadoran immigrants. Their section also featured traditional dancers and cars decked out in the Salvadoran flag colors and Salvadorian beauty pageant winners, including Miss Fiesta DC 2025, Jenny Sorto. 

Throughout the Salvadoran display, more signs with uplifting messages were seen. Many of these messages talked about immigrants. 

One of the signs read, “My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once too,” a quote from former President Barack Obama. 

It was a breath of fresh air given all the scrutiny that Latin immigrants have faced throughout the last couple of months. 

Overall, all of the displays were full of life and respectfully showed different aspects of Latin cultures. 

One of the most anticipated performers at the festival was Ana Bárbara and she did not disappoint. Audiences filled her section as she took the stage and sang some of her most famous songs. 

Dancers representing Bolivia in the parade (Dulce Ortiz).

According to a variety of news sources, due to fear of ICE and the current administration’s strict anti-immigration policies, this year’s festival drew in smaller crowds compared to previous years. 

However, even though attendance was lower this year, spirits remained high. Many who were present, from young individuals to families, were enjoying themselves and all that event had to offer. 

Another highlight of the event was the street vendors. The event featured different booths where you could purchase artistic goods from different countries, including handcrafted jewelry and stuffed animals in the shape of llamas. The cuisine available was also top-notch—from pupusas to arepas, you could get a taste from a variety of different cultures. 

Even though ICE has been present in Washington, D.C., and has arrested a high number of individuals throughout the last couple of months, their presence appeared to be limited at this event.

Most of the attendees appeared happy and without fear, enjoying the music and traditional foods. 

This festival showed that despite the harsh rhetoric that immigrants, specifically Latinos, have experienced over the last couple of months, they remain proud of their cultures and are always happy to share their traditions and customs with others.