Hamburg Latin Festival

Amerigo-Vespucci-Platz

Amerigo-Vespucci-Platz is located in the heart of HafenCity, Hamburg's newest district between Speicherstadt and the Elbe. It is named after the Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci, after whom America was named – fitting symbolism for a Latin American festival. The square opens towards the harbor, surrounded by modern HafenCity architecture. This provides the festival with an unusually urban, almost Mediterranean backdrop.

Latin Music Live

Salsa combos, Bachata duos, Cumbia acts, and Reggaeton DJs take turns on stage. The booking focuses on a mix of Hamburg-based Latin acts (there is a vibrant Latin American music scene in the city, supported mainly by Colombian, Cuban, and Venezuelan musicians) and guest acts from other German cities. DJ sets play before and after the live program.

Dance Workshops to Join

A central element of the festival is the dance workshops. Salsa instructors from Hamburg's dance schools lead beginner and advanced sessions, often including Bachata. The workshops are freely accessible – those without prior dance experience can learn their first steps within an hour. The workshops take place directly on the square, with the audience gathering around the dance floor.

Street Food from Latin America

The culinary mile brings the spectrum of Latin American cuisine to one place: Empanadas (Argentina, Colombia), Arepas (Venezuela, Colombia), Tacos (Mexico), Ceviche (Peru), Pan de Bono, Pão de Queijo (Brazil), Asado specialties, Mate tea, Caipirinha bar. Many stalls are run by families and restaurants based in Hamburg, bringing their cuisine to the festival grounds.

Roberto Cano and "elbsommer"

The festival is organized by Roberto Cano, a Hamburg-based Latin American cultural organizer. It takes place as part of the city's summer series "elbsommer," which supports free events in public spaces. The explicit aim is cultural exchange between the Latin American diaspora and Hamburg's society.

A Latin American Highlight in the State of Hamburg

In Hamburg's diaspora festival calendar, the Hamburg Latin Festival is one of the largest Latin American open-air formats. It complements the Polonia Music Festival (Polish), the Alafia Africa Festival, the Thailand Festival, and other intercultural events, creating a dense summer series that showcases multicultural Hamburg.