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Thousands gathered at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 8, 2024, for "Luz de las Naciones," an annual celebration of Latin American culture organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event featured a 90-minute multilingual program with songs and dances from various Latin American countries.
Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, remarked on the significance of the event: “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us that are not living in our countries to get together, to clap, to have fun, to feel joyful. And also, for people outside our countries to have a flavor of what it is like to live in Latin America.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles participated in the celebration and expressed his admiration for Latin culture: “I love the Latin culture, having had that blessing of getting to know how to be a part of it ever since I was 19 years old. All of these cultures in the end carry us toward Christ, toward our Heavenly Father, our eternal family, the family that we all belong to.”
The event was brought to life by approximately 1,000 volunteers. Brianna Flores Villaalta has been involved with "Luz de las Naciones" for 13 years and shared her personal experience: “I’ve grown with these women, these sisters, since I was eight years old. So truly, it’s not just a service experience, but it’s a family experience.”
Celebrating its 22nd year under the theme “Un Corazón Agradecido” (A Thankful Heart), Sister Spannaus emphasized gratitude's importance: “For me, gratitude is everything. When we are grateful, we are happier.”
Gioconda Vaca, assistant director of "Luz de las Naciones," highlighted the unique connection between performers and audience: “We are united in culture and through music, through faith, through dance, everything.” Elder Jason C. Jensen added his thoughts on music's unifying power: “Inspirational music has boundless power to unite us as our Heavenly Father’s children. It inspires us to love one another.”
The event will be available online with live broadcasts in Spanish and subtitled versions in English and Portuguese on November 9 at 8 p.m. MST. Recordings will be accessible on-demand via broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and other platforms.
