Annual “Luz de las Naciones” Event to Celebrate Latino Culture in Salt Lake City

Thousands attended the annual “Luz de las Naciones” celebration in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on November 3, 2023. | Courtesy of Church Newsroom

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host its annual celebration, “Luz de las Naciones” (Light of the Nations), showcasing the richness of Latino cultures from around the world.

This year’s event will take place on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 8 p.m. MST in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

How to Attend

Tickets for the live performances will be available starting Tuesday, October 8. Those who cannot attend in person can join the celebration online.

A live broadcast in Spanish will air on Saturday, November 9, at 8 p.m. MST on the Luz de las Naciones website, with English and Portuguese subtitles available.

The recorded program will also be accessible for on-demand viewing on the Luz de las Naciones website, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Church’s Stream app, and YouTube.

This Year’s Theme: “Un corazón agradecido”

The theme of this year’s event, “Un corazón agradecido” (A Thankful Heart), emphasizes gratitude as a central part of life and community.

According to Israel González-Nieri, director of Luz de las Naciones, “The theme… really captures the essence of what we aim to convey — gratitude as a cornerstone of our lives and communities.”

He highlighted that the event is not only about music, dance, and the spoken word, but also about “reaffirming our commitment to unity, faith, and cultural pride within the Latino community and beyond.”

Now in its 22nd year, “Luz de las Naciones” will feature a cast of 1,000 volunteer performers dressed in traditional clothing. They will bring to life both traditional and contemporary music and dance from various countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru.

González-Nieri noted that this year’s performances aim to be especially meaningful: “This year’s event is set to be particularly memorable as we express our thankfulness and honor the traditions and people that have made Luz de las Naciones such a cherished event over the years.”

He added that each performance is designed to “highlight the incredible diversity and richness of Latino heritage, offering a heartfelt expression of gratitude through song.”

For more details, visit the Luz de las Naciones website and mark your calendars for this vibrant celebration of Latino culture and gratitude.

History of Luz de las Naciones

Luz de las Naciones began as a celebration of Latino cultures hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over 20 years ago, with the aim of highlighting the diverse heritage and traditions of Latino members and communities around the world.

Held annually at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, the event has grown to become a significant cultural showcase, attracting thousands of attendees and viewers each year.

Initially, Luz de las Naciones featured performances by local artists, but over time it has evolved into a large-scale production with a cast of over 1,000 volunteer performers.

These participants come together to share music, dance, and stories that represent countries throughout Latin America, including Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, and many more.

The performances celebrate both traditional and contemporary elements of Latino culture, providing a vibrant and immersive experience.

The event’s themes have often focused on values like unity, faith, and gratitude, reflecting the cultural richness of Latino heritage while emphasizing shared beliefs.

For many participants and viewers, Luz de las Naciones is not just a cultural celebration but a reaffirmation of their faith and the unifying power of art and music.

Over the years, it has become a beloved tradition that strengthens bonds within the Latino community and invites people from all backgrounds to experience its warmth and spirit.

History of Latino Culture in the Church

Latino culture has a long and meaningful history within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dating back to the 19th century. The first significant outreach to Spanish-speaking communities began in the late 1800s with missionary work in Mexico.

The efforts grew as more missionaries traveled to countries throughout Latin America, sharing the message of the restored gospel.

By the mid-20th century, the Church saw substantial growth in Latin America, leading to the establishment of new congregations and the construction of temples in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

These developments provided opportunities for members to gather, worship, and serve in their native languages, creating a strong foundation for Latino culture within the Church.

Latino members have brought vibrant cultural traditions, music, and a deep sense of faith that enriches Church communities worldwide. Their influence is seen not only in the growth of the Church in Latin American countries but also in the increasing number of Spanish-speaking congregations across the United States.

Today, the Church has over 6 million members in Latin America, with many of them playing key roles in their local congregations and global Church leadership.

The celebration of Latino culture through events like Luz de las Naciones is a reflection of the Church’s commitment to honoring and integrating the cultural heritage of its members.

These events help foster understanding, unity, and a sense of belonging, as the Church continues to embrace the diverse backgrounds of its worldwide membership.

For many Latino members, their cultural identity is deeply intertwined with their faith. Events like Luz de las Naciones offer a way to celebrate both, showcasing their love for their heritage while embracing their beliefs.

This tradition of honoring Latino culture in the Church has helped strengthen connections across generations and between communities, making it an essential part of the Church’s global fabric.

Visit the Luz de las Naciones Facebook page to learn more.