performers
Fuerza Vallenata
is a professional orchestra of talented musicians bringing the authentic soul of vallenato to audiences across Canada, proudly based in Victoria, BC. Deeply rooted in Colombian culture, our mission is to share the joy, rhythm, and tradition of the Caribbean coast through every chord, lyric, and melody—lighting up stages nationwide.
Led by Javier Gil Romero, a masterful artist with a rich legacy born in Valledupar, the cradle of vallenato, our group elevates this iconic genre with performances full of energy, passion, and authenticity.
We are rhythm. We are culture. We are Fuerza Vallenata—and Canada is already dancing with us!
Claudia Santiago
Chilean-born, Canadian artist Claudia Santiago is an internationally acclaimed recording artist, entertainer, speaker, author, producer, and entrepreneur.
Who would have known that a child cowering in fear through a civil war and later in life battled and overcame a life-threatening disease would arise to become a successful global talent in the entertainment industry impacting so many lives?
Claudia speaks with authority on the breakthroughs of her life to help many overcome! She is known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, she blends Jazz, Pop, Rock, and Latin influences in her music, with commercial releases like Bring My Angel Down to Earth, So Fragile, Silver Lining and Spanish Heaven with award winning songwriters and producers.
She produces and stars in dynamic live tribute shows such as Toto, Journey, Heart, and including her signature production CONGA! — A Tribute to Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, which celebrates the energy and spirit of iconic Latin pop.
As an author, Claudia writes the “Lolly of Wildwood Cottage” and “Life is a Beautiful Thing” book series, and as entrepreneur, she is the founder of Santiago Parfumeries, Bella Santiago Couture, and Bella Santiago Beauty.
Throughout her artistry, she brings her creative vision to music, stories, fashion, and beauty — inspiring audiences worldwide.
She is based in Calgary, Alberta along with her husband and 2 beautiful shitzu-poodle pups.
Latin Vibes Orchestra
is a captivating 13-piece band that blends the rich, rhythmic traditions of Latin America. This versatile group, is renowned for its dynamic performances of cumbias, salsa, and other Latin genres, delivering an unforgettable experience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Formed in Victoria, the Latin Vibes Orchestra is a testament of cultural diversity and musical collaboration. Their performances are a celebration of Latin heritage and a testament to the unifying power of music. The band’s members are from a vibrant mix of countries, including Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
Each performance is a celebration of Latin culture, inviting listeners to dance, sing, and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Latin music.
Ballet Folklórico of Victoria Fiesta Latina
is a vibrant dance group that celebrates Mexican and Latin traditional dances. Founded by director Angelique Venegas Ashton, the group is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and Latin America through the art of dance. This year marks their 10th anniversary, a significant milestone in their journey.
Angelique Venegas Ashton, a talented and passionate dancer herself, hails from a Mexican background and has a deep appreciation for her cultural roots. With a vision to share the beauty and diversity of Mexican and Latin dances with the world, she established Ballet Folklorico of Victoria Fiesta Latina.
The group’s performances are a mesmerizing fusion of traditional choreography, vibrant costumes, and captivating music. Through their dances, they portray the customs, traditions, and stories of different regions in Mexico and Latin America. From the graceful ballet-like movements of Jalisco to the energetic footwork of Veracruz, each dance piece showcases the unique characteristics of the various regions.
The costumes worn by the dancers are a visual feast for the eyes, with a riot of colours and intricate details. These costumes reflect the cultural and historical elements of each dance style, and they play a vital role in bringing the performances to life. The attention to detail in the costumes, including the vibrant dresses, embroidered patterns, and accessories, adds an extra layer of authenticity and beauty to the group’s performances.
Over the past decade, Ballet Folklórico of Victoria Fiesta Latina has gained recognition and applause for their outstanding performances. They have performed at numerous festivals, cultural events, and theatres, both locally and internationally. Through their dedication and commitment, they have become ambassadors of Mexican and Latin American culture, inspiring audiences with their vibrant dances and captivating storytelling.
Danza Colombia
From its early days, the group has welcomed people of all backgrounds, creating a space where dance is more than performance—it’s a celebration of identity, community, and joy. Through vibrant choreographies rooted in traditional styles such as cumbia, bullerengue, and salsa, Danza Colombia brings the heart of Colombia to life on every stage it graces.
In 2023, Danza Colombia made history as the first Colombian group to perform at Victoria Latin Fest, captivating audiences with dynamic and authentic dances. Their presence quickly became a community favorite, leading to invitations to events like Colombian Independence Day, Día de las Velitas, Christmas celebrations, and other cultural festivals throughout the region.
A major milestone came in 2024, when Danza Colombia represented the Colombian community at the Victoria Day Parade. Over 30 dancers joined the parade, proudly expanding the visibility and unity of the Colombian community in Victoria.
By 2025, Danza Colombia had grown into a diverse family, welcoming dancers from Iran, Ukraine, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and beyond. The group’s inclusive spirit reflects its belief that cultural celebration knows no borders.
This year, Danza Colombia continues to foster cultural collaboration by inviting Radio Tambora to join them on stage at Viva Victoria Latin Fest. A music group born out of love for cumbia, Radio Tambora has expanded into a multicultural ensemble, blending rhythms and people from all over the world. Danza Colombia has proudly supported Radio Tambora since its inception, united by shared values of community, inclusion, and joy.
Paula Zerpa
is a Mexican-Venezuelan-Canadian actress, singer and dancer. she has been featured in many commercials in the USA , has been part of some Canadian short films such as Feliz cumpleaños directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero, and Hostage directed by Zac Klassen and Joe Munroe. she was casted as Paola Cortez in Lucifer season one. Paula danced for the professional football BC Lions dance team for 3 consecutive years. Her first movie was Baby sellers directed by Nick Willing. She has perfores in several Latin festivals around Canada.
Natalia Bachata
Natalia Gonzalez & Sergio Mendez are Bachata instructors from Nanaimo. They are dedicated to sharing their love and passion for bachata and growing the dance community across Vancouver Island. Their style is a fusion that combines sensual bachata, modern and traditional bachata.
Natalia González y Sergio Méndez son instructores de bachata en Nanaimo. Están dedicados a compartir su amor y pasión por la bachata así como impulsar la comunidad de baile en la isla de Vancouver. Su estilo es una fusión que mezcla la bachata sensual, moderna y tradicional.
Danny Carmona
Danny Carmona, es una cantautora nacida en Colombia radicada en Canadá. A los 7 años de edad empezó a formarse como artista en academias de actuación, modelaje, y baile en NYC. A los 14 años se trasladó con su familia a la costa pacífica de Canadá donde grabó sus primeros discos y se graduó como periodista. Es presentadora y actúa en películas, comerciales, y es la voz de varios grupos musicales en la isla de Victoria, Canadá. Actualmente su música está disponible en todas partes y es activa en el mundo del entretenimiento. Danny Carmona se ganó rápidamente el cariño de su público, creando una conexión emocional que va más allá de lo sonoro.
Valeria
VALERIA, es Colombiana y desde pequeña mostró gran interés por la música, cantando en la escuela en reuniones familiares. A los 8 años ingreso a la escuela Mozart de Colombia, participó en diferentes concursos artísticos llegando siempre a las finales.
En su carrera musical recibió muchos no, por no querer cantar música de cantina y cantar música alegre y folclorica.
Su familia siempre creyó en ella y la motivó a seguir.
Nominada a mejor actriz infantil en el festival de cine nacional. Smart films.
Cantó a duo con el Maestro Juan Fé Cañón uno de los mejores pianistas de Colombia.
2 veces finalista en Concurso municipal de talentos jóvenes.
Perteneció al grupo base de artistas del gobierno municipal de la ciudad de Villavicencio.
Ahora llegó a Canadá a compartir su talento y un poco de la Cultura Latina.
Su sueño es conocer a Adele y cantar con ella en un escenario.
Rumba 7
is an all-latin music ensemble founded in the city of Vancouver in 2016 by musicians born and raised in different places of Latin America. We are committed to bring the best of Latin culture to both Latinos and Canadians with the main purpose of maintaining our culture alive, using music to transport our audience to the places where the original Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia rhythms were born. Playing the greatest hits by artists from all over Latin America: Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile, El Salvador, and many others.
Come and have a taste of the real latin culture with our wonderful performers, who are more than prepared to lit up the party with high quality entertainment.
Our members:
- Mauricio Ramos (Mexico) (Singer and Host)
- Lorena Gonzales ( Mexico) singer
- Freddy Veloso(Chile) (Singer)
- Andrés Fabricio Zúñiga(Colombia) (Singer)
- Cesar Roque (Mexico)!Timbales
- Ruben Sandoval (El Salvador) ( keyboards)
- Jair Roque ( México ) (congas )
- Paco Olvera ( México) ( Bajo)
Fusión Chibcha
A Colombian Folklore group from Victoria, BC, shares Colombia’s diverse culture through Indigenous and Afro-Colombian dances. Celebrating a year of dancing, they aim to strengthen community ties. In collaboration with the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society, the parade showcases traditional Barranquilla carnival attire, including carnival queens with feather crowns. The name Fusión Chibcha reflects a blend of traditions and music from the Caribbean and Andes, derived from the Chibcha indigenous language family. While only dancers will perform this year, a music ensemble is in the works for future events.
DJ Moses
My name is Moises Del Olmo, and I proudly call the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia home. Born in Mexico and now deeply rooted in Canada, I am passionate about celebrating and promoting the vibrant traditions of Salsa and Latin culture in both of my countries. I am the founder and director of ViVa! Victoria Latin Fest, an annual celebration of Latin American heritage that has brought rhythm, colour, and community spirit to the city since 2018. I also host Postales Musicales de América Latina, a radio program on the University of Victoria’s campus station, where I share the diverse musical landscapes of Latin America with local and international audiences. Through music, dance, and cultural events, I strive to keep the heart of Latin culture beating strong in Victoria and beyond.
Radio Tambora
International sound system Radio Tambora began as an exploration of cumbia among friends and has since grown into a creative collective of music and dance lovers exploring the ingredients of salsa, bachata, cumbia, and Persian music, reflecting a curiosity and interest in the paths through which music has and will always continue to connect people with one another.
Kantu Peruvian Band
Kantu originally formed in 2022 as a Peruvian music jam space. Now, they are here to share the colourful sounds and rhythms of the Andes and Peru. Porque el alma solo sana con la música Peruana!
DJ Facundo
Soy DJ Facu, con estudios en música y una pasión auténtica por los ritmos latinos. Mi formación musical me permite crear mezclas finas y envolventes, donde cada canción conecta con la energía del público y cada transición lleva la fiesta a otro nivel.
Especializado en salsa, reggaetón, merengue, cumbia, bachata y fusiones latinas, llevo una propuesta llena de baile y buena vibra . Ya sea en eventos privados, clubes, bodas o festivales, mi objetivo es siempre el mismo: que nadie todos bailen.
Con DJ Facu, no solo escuchas la música, también disfrutas de una experiencia de ritmos y recuerdos inolvidables.
Trippycals
a genre-blending trio that’s turning up the heat on every stage they touch. Sofía Leónne, a soulful singer-songwriter from Guadalajara, Mexico now based on Vancouver Island, brings seductive vocals and vibrant charisma. El Slow Mo, a dynamic bilingual rapper from Mexico, delivers razor-sharp verses and an electric stage presence that commands attention. Daniel Sar, a Colombian multi-instrumentalist, drives the heartbeat of the band with his masterful guitar work and Latin grooves.
Together, Trippycals fuse Latin rhythms, funk, and R&B into a sound that’s as magnetic as it is unforgettable.
Ballet Folklorico Peruano
Founded in 2024, our dance group is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Peru through traditional folkloric dance. We bring together passionate dancers committed to showcasing the diversity of Peru’s regions—coast, highlands, and jungle—through vibrant performances, authentic costumes, and rhythmic music.