‘Luz de las Naciones’ to celebrate faith and Latino cultures this weekend

For more than two decades, “Luz de las Naciones” or “Light of the Nations” — an annual musical celebration of Latino cultures hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — has sought bridging cast and audience members to their faith, culture and heritage.

“This event is not just a concert or a cultural performance; it is a living testimony of the faith, diversity and brotherhood we share as children of God,” said the show’s director, Israel González-Nieri, in a release published Tuesday on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

González-Nieri has been involved with the annual showcase since its early years and said that its aim is not only to help participants “connect with their cultures through music and dance,” but also to help them “feel that peace, … that internal peace that only comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“He’s the light of the nations,” González-Nieri said. “He’s the light of the world.”

This year, the cultural showcase, to take place in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, carries the theme “Paz que Ilumina” or “Peace that Shines.” It will feature a cast of roughly 1,000 volunteer musical artists in traditional attire, and will represent countries such as Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Argentina through music and dance.

“‘Luz de las Naciones’ is intended to spiritually lift our friends in the Latino community through music, dance and inspired messages,” said Elder Jorge T. Becerra, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the church’s Utah Area presidency.

“This year, the theme ‘Peace that Shines’ will bring a large measure of the Savior’s peace that is needed in these days of trouble and strife. Our hope is to help the Latino community find a greater measure of peace that comes through Jesus Christ as we help them increase their faith in him.”

Tickets to see the free showcase in the Conference Center were sold out within minutes on Oct. 14, but a live broadcast of the showcase will be available in Spanish on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. There, English and Portuguese versions with subtitles will also be available.

Following the live broadcast, the recorded showcase will be available for on-demand viewing on the church’s broadcasts page, Gospel Stream app and YouTube (Spanish and Portuguese).

“We invite all who participate in this year’s event, both audience and the large number of volunteers, to feel once again the peace that surpasses understanding,” Elder Becerra said.