LA FIESTA DEL PUEBLO 2025

September 21st, 2025

About La Fiesta del Pueblo

La Fiesta del Pueblo is the Triangle’s largest and most diverse festival of Latin American culture, featuring live music and dance performances, artisanal vendors, food trucks, educational booths, and activities for the whole family!

What to Expect

La Fiesta del Pueblo is free and open to the public, with all of the day’s events taking place on Fayetteville Street as well as on the intersecting streets (Hargett St., Martin St. and Davie St.) Fayetteville St. is more than half a mile long, so there will be some distances to travel between sections of the festival.  

Before the Festival

Drop-off areas
Fayetteville St. and the first block of all side streets will be closed for the festival. Wilmington and Salisbury streets will remain open. Designated “Drop-off” areas will be available on the east and west sides of Fayetteville St., at the Davie St. intersection, and at the Martin St. intersection. Consult our festival map for a detailed distribution of the down load points for the festival. 

Public transport + Rideshare
The Moore Square Bus Station is located at 214 S. Blount St., 1.5 blocks from the heart of La Fiesta del Pueblo. The R-Line, a free shuttle, will also be available to help you get from your parking space to the festival footprint. All R-Line and GoRaleigh vehicles are equipped with ADA access via an elevator or ramp. Ride-share Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are a good alternative to driving or public transportation. We recommend directing your ride-share service to a location on Salisbury St. or Davie St.  

Parking lots
Street parking surrounding the La Fiesta del Pueblo footprint is free all day on Sundays. City parking decks are pay to park on Sunday. Please refer to the map for all City of Raleigh parking decks available during La Fiesta del Pueblo near Fayetteville St. View ADA Accessible Parking Spaces at Downtown Raleigh Handicap Accessible Parking Spaces. Note that valid disability parking placard or license plate is required.  

 

During the Festival

 

Getting Around
All of the activities taking place at La Fiesta del Pueblo are on the street level with the roads closed off to motor vehicles all day on Sunday. While this means that some areas of the streets and sidewalks do get crowded, all street-level activities are physically accessible. You can avoid some crowding by going up or down a block to Wilmington or Salisbury and then returning to Fayetteville via one of the cross streets. Do note that some streets have a slight uphill pitch to them, especially the side streets: Martin, Davie and Hargett. 

 

Accessible Viewing Areas 
A designated accessible viewing area will be available in front of the stage for people who use mobility devices and their companions to help ensure that you can see what’s happening on stage. This area is intended for visitors who use wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility devices and their companions, as well as guests who have a disability that substantially limits their ability to stand and their companions. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first served basis. 

Sighted Guides
For people who are blind or have low vision, you may request to be paired with a sighted guide who will help you navigate La Fiesta del Pueblo. While our preference is for you to reserve in advance, some sighted guides are available during the festival at the booth at the intersection of Davie St. and Fayetteville St. 

Service Animals and Pet Policies
We welcome service animals at La Fiesta del Pueblo. They must be trained to assist in tasks related to a disability. Owner is responsible for cleaning up after their service animals and pets. La Fiesta del Pueblo will not be providing dog water bowls and recommends that owners prepare to bring their own for their pets and service animals. Please keep in mind the potential for severe weather (i.e. heat, wind, rain), large crowds, and loud noises at the festival before bringing your pet to the festival. 

Restrooms
Street level accessible restrooms (portable toilets) are located on two side streets of the festival footprint: West Martin and East Davie St.  See Program Map for more details. 

Severe Weather Information
La Fiesta del Pueblo is a rain or shine outdoor event. The weather can vary but tends to be hot with the potential for windy and/or rainy weather. Frequent hydration breaks are recommended. Please check the weather day-of to prepare for potential rain or heat. For the heat, there will be covered areas throughout Fayetteville St. and the festival. Downtown storefronts have indoor cooling and may be supportive of customers walking in. Food trucks will have water available for purchase. 

Emergency
La Fiesta del Pueblo has many precautions put in place to prevent, but also help, in the case of an emergency. If you need assistance, please look for one of these people: 

  • La Fiesta volunteers wearing yellow shirts 
  • Uniformed City of Raleigh police officers 

Call 911 if you need immediate assistance for an emergency. 

 

Questions or Comments?
If you need assistance or have additional questions during La Fiesta del Pueblo, please visit one of our information booths located at the intersection of Martin St. and Hargett St., Plaza del Pueblo, or in City Plaza. 

Volunteers in official La Fiesta T-shirts will be all around the festival, you may also ask one of us if you have a question! 

La Fiesta del Pueblo’s organizers work hard to make all of its programming accessible to everyone! If you have additional questions or comments or would like to be part of the general conversation about accessibility at the event, please email us at elpueblo@elpueblo.org or call (919) 835-1525. 

 

This information is updated annually based on community feedback and evolving best practices. Last Updated August 2025. 

Learn How to Cook with the Pros – Free Cooking Demo with Mi Costeñita!

Join Mi Costeñita at La Fiesta del Pueblo for a cultural experience like no other! Chef Angela Salamanca will lead hands-on cooking demos, teaching beloved family recipes that connect us to our roots.

1PM – Chilaquiles Rojos
3PM – Quesadillas con Macha & Curtido
5PM – Calentado

They will be located on the 100 block of Fayetteville Street near the Capitol Building. You must sign up in the Mi Costeñita area to attend the cooking demos. Space is limited to 10-15 people per demo.

All demos are sponsored by Mi Costeñita — bringing flavor, tradition, and family together for 30 years.

Show Off Your Pride! Best Dressed Competition

Show off your culture and your pride at La Fiesta del Pueblo 2025 by dressing to represent your cultural heritage in honor of Latin American Heritage Month.

How to Enter

  • Come to La Fiesta del Pueblo in person dressed in your best traditional cultural outfit, showing off your flag, or in anything that represents your Latin American heritage country.
  • Be one of the first 10 people to sign up for the competition before 3:00PM at the El Pueblo booth near City Plaza (view map for more details)
  • Must be able to attend the competition onstage from 3:45PM – 5PM.

Keep in Mind

  • Only attire appropriate to the competition will be accepted, El Pueblo staff reserve the right to turn away anyone who does not align with the competition or organizational values.
  • Only the first 10 people to register before 3PM will be entered into the competition. If those slots are filled before 3PM, the sign up will close.
  • Once you are confirmed to participate at sign up, you will be given more instructions for check in and competition time.
  • Competition participants will be asked to model their attire onstage at the City Plaza stage.
  • Top 3 participants will be selected for prize winnings

Prizes

  • Tickets to see Alicia Villareal & Pancho Barazzo (their concert is at 7PM on the same day: Sunday, Sept. 21st)
  • Gifts from NC Education Lottery
  • Gifts from Mi Costeñita
  • Gifts from El Pueblo

VENDEDORES DE COMIDA / FOOD VENDORS

  • Che empanadas
  • Classic Ice cream
  • CocoCrissi Tropical Icees
  • Empanadas RD
  • (República Dominicana)
  • G’s Tacos
  • Hartura Restaurant

  • La Brisas
  • La Tres Fronteras
  • Hollywood Taco
  • Lelo’s Cuban Cafe
  • LILIS KITCHEN
  • Mango loco
  • Nuestro Barrio

  • Liberation Cafe
  • Tacón Ganas LLC
  • Tacos Mama Chava, inc
  • Tacos Neza
  • Taste of Texas
  • The Corner Venezuelan
  • The Rican Lab

MONCHY

Ramon Rijo, known professionally as “Monchy”, began his music career at an early age in his hometown of La Romana, Dominican Republic where he learned to play the piano, guitar, and took vocal lessons. He was inspired by the “Bolero” genre, which has shaped his career in bachata music as he grew from musical student to musical artist. His most widely successful hits in the Latin music scene, “Hoja en Blanco” and “Hasta el Fin”, continue to be enjoyed and loved by many to this day. Monchy released his “first-ever solo album “Primogénito” in 2020” , with new singles such as “Se Gana y se Pierde”. This incredible Dominican artist is ready to bring bachata to the stage at La Fiesta del Pueblo.


Letal Rock Band

Letal Rock Band is the pioneering Spanish rock band in the Carolinas, the best of the best! We play covers of Los Enanitos Verdes, Maná, Heroes del Silencio, Miguel Mateos, Hombres G, and more.


La Tropa de Tierra Caliente

La Tropa de Tierra Caliente is composed of trombones, trumpets and saxophones, instruments that unite with the sweet notes of an accordion to create the unique sounds from “the hot land”. Founded in 2007 by Jesus “Chuy” Velazquez Garcia, originally from Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico, the band has created hit singles such as “Me Duele Amarte” and “Te Amo”.


La Nueva 22

La Nueva 22 is a salsa orchestra giving a new face to the timeless sound and style of Salsa Dura while paying homage to its Afro-Cuban and Boricua roots. La Nueva 22 is made up of both the new generation and seasoned veterans of North Carolina’s Latin and Jazz music scenes, with members from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the U.S.A.


Zona Típica

Zona Típica is a grassroots merengue típico band from Raleigh. We are proud to perform improvised merengue music in its traditional form #TipicoCriollo. This is grandmas’ home-cooked merengue, and it is the only one of its kind in North Carolina.

Artesanías / Arts and Crafts Vendors

  • A y W Arts Noveltys
  • All That Glitters Tattoo
  • Amantolli Handicraft, LLC
  • Artesanía Latina my Paso Fino
  • Artesanías Narvaez
  • AY! MARIA
  • Badillo’s Latin Toys
  • Bellezas Mexicanas y Más
  • Casa Imperial Finery

  • Colibrí
  • Dosi Bows and More
  • El Arte en Tus Manos
  • Elizabeth López Fashion
  • Guatemalan Arts and Crafts
  • Inka Marka
  • Isabel’s boutique
  • It’s All Handmade
  • La Flor

  • Lupita y La Magia de México
  • Manos Mágicas y Creativas
  • Meli Handmade
  • Morpho Style Boutique
  • Mucho Corazón
  • Pearls Nd Colors Bracelets
  • Premium Flores Collections
  • Ruanallc
  • Viva La Vida Boutique
  • Woodcrafts120

Colibrí Esmeralda

Colibrí Esmeralda is the first Honduran folkloric ballet in the Triangle of North Carolina that is looking forward to promoting the traditions and culture through the folkloric dance of Honduras. The main goal of this initiative is to elevate the Honduran folklore with its music and therefore, to get the participation of the Latino young people that are willing to share and contribute with identity values and nation belonging for the big community of Honduran people in North Carolina.


Cumbión Colombiano

Cumbión Colombiano is a dynamic dance group formed by five passionate ESL teachers from Colombia, united by their love for sharing the rich folkloric traditions of their homeland. Through vibrant performances of cumbia, bullerengue, carranga, tambora, and Afro-Colombian rhythms, they celebrate the powerful blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences that shape Colombia’s cultural identity. Their dances are filled with energy, joy, and the unmistakable flavor of Latin America. With every step and beat, Cumbión Colombiano brings the spirit of Colombia to life.


Flor de Hidalgo

Flor de Hidalgo is a folkdance group founded three years ago with the purpose of preserving, promoting, and sharing Mexico’s cultural richness through traditional dance. Composed mainly of women and girls, the group has grown into an artistic and community platform that promotes emotional health, a sense of belonging, and female empowerment. 

Inspired by the Hidalgo roots of its founder, Alicia De Dios Fernández, Flor de Hidalgo has proudly represented Mexico’s cultural diversity on educational and community stages and at multicultural festivals in North Carolina. Through performances, workshops, and collaborations with other cultural organizations, the group honors ancestral traditions while creating new spaces for inclusion, identity, and artistic expression.


Folklorico Club at NC State

Folklorico Club at NC State brings together individuals passionate about Folklorico music and dance, creating a vibrant space to learn, grow, and celebrate. Through every step and movement, they honor and preserve their rich cultural heritage, keeping the spirit of Folklorico alive and thriving on campus.


Sangre de Campeón Group Dance de Perú/from Peru


Urban Zumba with Alex

Urban Zumba with Alex Join us for an exciting, high-energy workout that blends dance and fitness! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these classes are designed to be fun, upbeat, and effective. Dance to the latest hits, music from around the world, oldies and feel the rhythm while burning calories, toning muscles, and boosting your mood!

ARTISTAS VISUALES/ VISUAL ARTISTS

  • Jorge Ramos
  • Karol Pérez
  • Merling Josue
  • Miriam Ximil

Organizaciones sin fines de lucro / Nonprofit Organizations

  • ACLU of North Carolina
  • Bridge International
  • Dress for Success Triangle
  • Durham Regional Association of REALTORS
  • El Futuro
  • Fiesta Family Services
  • Haven House Services
  • Iglesia Encuentro
  • Legal Aid of North Carolina
  • More In My Basket

  • NC Department of Commerce-Division of Employment Security
  • NC Department of Public Safety
  • NC DSBNC
  • NC Quick Pass
  • NC State University Dept. of World Langs and Cultures Hispanic Linguistics
  • North Carolina Department of Adult Correction

  • Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
  • Pro-Choice North Carolina
  • Scouting America
  • Southeast Raleigh Promise
  • Southeast Raleigh YMCA
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • UNC-CH School of Social Work
  • VoteRiders
  • Wake County Public Libraries

Our History

The first La Fiesta del Pueblo was held in 1994 at the Lincoln Center in Chapel Hill, NC. A year later, El Pueblo was officially incorporated as a non-profit to serve the Latin American community in NC. We celebrated the first La Fiesta del Pueblo to create a sense of community, to feature and celebrate our culture, and to share resources with our communities. At that very first festival, we had close to 1,000 people attend. We had no idea then that, 30 years later, La Fiesta de El Pueblo would grow to be the crowd-drawing downtown event that it is today.

Our event draws an average of 25,000 people from all over NC and other neighboring states. It is a beautiful thing to be able to come together in our state’s capital to celebrate our culture. For those who left their home countries in Latin America or those who grew up in the U.S. and want to connect with their roots, La Fiesta del Pueblo is a way to celebrate our pride, existence, and resiliency as Latines.

LA FIESTA DEL PUEBLO 2025

WAS PRESENTED BY:

In Conjunction With:

This program is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.

El Pueblo is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.

Privacy Preference Center