Latino Heritage Festival Featuring Latinos in Sports

 
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino invites you to step up to the plate for a home run of a festival that’s sure to score big. This year, we celebrate the impact Latina and Latino athletes have had on the world of sports—from the soccer field to the boxing ring, the baseball diamond to the fairway. Go for the gold and cheer on the champions who made history! 
 
Event Highlights: 
Interactive Sports Exhibits and Live Demonstrations: Dive into the rich history of Latina and Latino athletes and grab a front-row seat to watch local and national teams bring their A-game, showcasing the skills that have taken them to the top. 
Meet and Greet Sessions: Don’t strike out—grab your chance to meet legendary athletes and rising stars and hear their stories. 
Family Fun Zone: Bring your team to enjoy a variety of sports-themed activities. 
 
We are calling all sports fans, families and culture enthusiasts to join in the fun and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Latina and Latino athletes who have made sports history. This is your chance to honor the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future—let’s knock it out of the park together! 
 
Participating organizations and athletes: 
Latino Outdoors 
Hugo’s Lucha Libre of Denver, CO  
Carlos El Famoso Hernandez, Salvadoran-American IBF Super Featherweight Champion Boxer 
Jajaira Gonzalez, Olympian US Women’s Boxing ‘24 
Giuseppe Lanzone, Olympian US Men’s Rowing, ’08 and ’12 
Esperanza Rosas, Artist, Major League Baseball 
Marysol Castro, Public Address Announcer, New York Mets 
Jennifer Yepez-Blundell, Cofounder, DRAFTED 
Mesoamerican Ball Game Match 
Capoeira DC 
DC Scores 
United States Patent Office, Sports Inventions 
 
About the Latino Heritage Festival 
The Latino Heritage Festival, organized by the National Museum of the American Latino, celebrates the richness and diversity of Latino culture, both past and present. Honoring the vibrant histories and traditions that have shaped Latino communities across the United States, the festival shines a spotlight on the artists, athletes, storytellers, and culture bearers who continue to keep these stories and traditions alive. 
  
The annual festival offers free performances, workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience—whether it’s dancing to live music, trying their hand at traditional crafts, learning recipes from different Latino cuisines, or engaging with cultural experts. This dynamic festival is a celebration of heritage, community, and the shared experiences that unite us all.