The Maitland Art Center is set to become a vibrant nexus of global culture as it hosts the fifth annual Latin Performing Arts Festival (FLAE) from September 22 to 28, 2025. Organized by Open Scene, the week-long event promises a rich tapestry of music, dance, and art, offering a unique opportunity for the community to experience diverse artistic expressions from around the world. In celebration of its fifth anniversary, all performances and parking are offered free of charge, requiring only an online RSVP, making world-class latin performances accessible to all.
A Global Stage at the Maitland Art Center
For its fifth edition, the Latin Performing Arts Festival, produced by Orlando-based nonprofit Open Scene, is transforming the entire Art & History Museums of Maitland campus into an international stage. Open Scene, founded in 2019 by Venezuelan immigrant Thamara Bejarano, has a mission to foster creativity, connection, and cultural exchange through inclusive arts programs. This year’s festival showcases premieres and performances from artists originating from Venezuela, Brazil, France, Spain, Cuba, and New York City, underscoring its commitment to celebrating underrepresented communities and widening the public’s perspective on multicultural arts.
Diverse Performances Illuminate the Week
The festival’s schedule is packed with an ambitious array of performances designed to captivate audiences. Kicking off the week, attendees can experience the “Drums of Fire” on September 25, an Orlando premiere by NYC’s Tambor y Caña, delivering an eight-performer Afro-Caribbean percussion spectacle. This is followed by a “Flamenco Fusion” performance on September 26, a U.S. premiere from Spain that artfully blends traditional flamenco with bolero vocals, featuring dancer Aylin Bayaz and soprano Isabella Lamadriz.
Mid-week, on September 27, audiences can witness the U.S. premiere of “Souvenirs,” a unique nonverbal performance from France that combines shadow play, movement, and dance, originating directly from the Avignon Festival. The festival culminates on September 28 with a captivating 1950s Havana-style cabaret tribute to the legendary Cuban icon Beny Moré. This grand finale will feature a live orchestra and a special appearance by Venezuelan actor Franklin Virgüez, offering a dazzling look at the life and music of “El Bárbaro del Ritmo.”
To ensure broad accessibility, all evening artist talkbacks following each performance will be translated in real-time into over 25 languages using AI technology.
Community, Inclusivity, and Cultural Exchange
This year marks a significant milestone for the Latin Performing Arts Festival, as its fifth anniversary is being celebrated with completely free admission and parking. “This year it’s completely free, because we’re celebrating our fifth anniversary, and milestones are meant to be shared,” stated Mariela Saad, General Producer at Open Scene. This decision, made possible by generous funders and community partners like the Orange County Cultural Tourism Fund, South Arts, and United Arts of Central Florida, aims to open every door and allow everyone to experience world-class performances.
The festival’s emphasis on inclusivity and cultural exchange is a core tenet of Open Scene’s philosophy, aiming to create immersive experiences that bring people together through creativity and shared moments.
A Flourishing Landscape of Latin Arts
The fifth annual Latin Performing Arts Festival in Maitland arrives amidst a broader cultural calendar filled with Latin music and arts events across the United States. From the Latin Food & Music Fest in Brooklyn (September 13-14), the Latinidad Festival in Dallas (September 20), and the Fuego Fest in Los Angeles (September 20-23), to the Humboldt Latin Dance and Music Festival (September 25-28), September 2025 is proving to be a banner month for celebrating the diverse rhythms, flavors, and artistic expressions of Latin culture nationwide.
The Maitland Latin Performing Arts Festival stands out as a premier event in Florida, offering a concentrated week of high-caliber theatrical, musical, and dance performances that highlight the richness and diversity of latin heritage. It serves as a testament to the growing appreciation and platform for latin performing arts, fostering community dialogue and artistic innovation.
