Mexico's 'Culturas Afro en Los Pinos' Festival Highlights Afro‑Mexican Heritage

The Mexican government will hold the "Culturas Afro en Los Pinos: Sabores y Saberes" festival on 15‑16 August at the Complejo Cultural Los Pinos. Organized by the Secretariat of Culture and the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (Conapred), the event coincides with the International Day of Afro‑Descendant Persons and aims to recognize, disseminate and strengthen the legacy of Afro‑Mexican communities.

Activities include traditional dances from Oaxaca and Guerrero, performances by the Afro‑Veracruzan ensemble from Yanga, music, documentaries, exhibitions such as "Julia López: Pinceladas de luz y fantasía", workshops, and a culinary showcase of Costa Chica cuisine. Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza said, "Recognizing Afro‑Mexican populations is not just celebrating their cultural wealth: it is making visible their history, knowledge and struggles that have been fundamental to the construction of Mexico." Official data note that over 3.1 million people in Mexico identify as Afro‑Mexican or Afro‑descendant, about 2.4 % of the national population.