The opening of the Latino Arts Festival on Friday offered a full Brazilian experience, with the entire day’s program dedicated to the country — allowing for an in-depth exploration of traditional dances and music from its diverse regions.
The annual free event at Canyons Village, hosted by the Park City Summit County Arts Council, runs through Sunday.
“We are proud to be here to represent not only our country, but our deep love for its culture, music, dance and tradition,” said a spokesperson for the dance group Aquarela do Brasil. “Today we invite you on a cultural journey through the colors, rhythms and stories of Brazil.”
They were the first to take the stage, filling it with vibrant color as their traditional garments swayed with their feet.
Salt Lake Capoeira brought tradition to life, energizing the crowd with an acrobatic performance.
Capoeira is a dynamic art form that blends dance, martial arts, acrobatics and music. Originating in Brazil, it was born out of resistance — developed by enslaved Africans who used rhythm and movement to disguise self-defense as dance. Today, it lives on as a cultural tradition, form of expression, and performance.
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Capoeira Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record
As new groups took the stage, the audience embraced each performance — joining in dances, singing along, with food, family and friends.
Utah Brazilian Dance Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Utah Brazilian Dance led a dance class with for audience members Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Grupo Kola Aí Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Adrielle Vieira of Aquarela do Brasil Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Salt Lake Samba showcased a traditional Carnaval Performance Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Audience followed along to dances led by Utah Brazilian Dance Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
The crowd moved to the rhythms of Brazilian music throughout the day, singing and dancing along with joyful energy. Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Aquarela do Brasil 
Aquarela do Brasil preparing to take the stage Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Vanessa Pizeta Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Grupo Kola Aí Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record 
Aquarela do Brasil Credit: Jonathan Herrera/Park Record
The festival will continue throughout the weekend, with each day celebrating Latin American cultures from around the world — including those represented within the Park City community.
The remainder of the weekend’s schedule is as follows:
Saturday, June 14
10:00am Bafudach | Chile
10:45am Esencia de México | Latin America
11:45am Viva Perú | Perú
1:00pm Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoal | Mexico
2:20pm Carnaval de Barranquilla | Colombia
4:00pm Identidad Vallenato | Colombia
6:00pm Fake Frequency | Latin Rock
8:00pm Senxao | Venezuela
Sunday, June 15
10:00am Zumba with Julieta Gesualdo | Argentina
11:15am Bomba Marilé | Puerto Rico
12:15pm Mi Viejo San Simón | Bolivia
1:00pm “Quien hace más Cascaritas”
2:30pm Mariachi Guzman | Mexico
4:30pm Rumba Libre | Latin America