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The annual “Luz de las Naciones” event was held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 7 and 8, 2025. The event featured music and dance performances celebrating Latin American culture and marked a century since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began preaching in South America.
Tens of thousands attended the two-night celebration in person, with additional viewers watching a broadcast on Saturday. This year’s theme was “Paz que Ilumina” (Peace that Shines), focusing on the peace found through Jesus Christ.
Sister Andrea Spannaus of the Young Women General Presidency said, “We can find peace — true peace — in Jesus Christ. The peace of the world is temporary, but the peace offered by Christ can endure even during difficult situations. This year, this [show] is an invitation to pause for a moment and learn more about the peace that Christ can give us.”
The event also commemorated 100 years since missionaries first preached what members call the restored gospel in South America. Director Israel González-Nieri commented, “One hundred years of history, service and growth have transformed communities and blessed the lives of millions. For me, this anniversary is not only a remembrance of what we have received but also an invitation to continue sharing the light of Christ that brings peace and hope to the world.”
Jason C. Jensen, Area Seventy for the Church, said: “We’re celebrating 100 years of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ in South America. The good that has come from that — the millions of people that have been blessed by the gospel of Jesus Christ in South America — has just been a great blessing and a miracle.”
Now in its 23rd year, Luz de las Naciones featured around 1,000 volunteer musical artists from various backgrounds. Soloist Lucy Polido expressed her appreciation for sharing music with attendees: “This event is magical. It touches the hearts of everyone through our music, through our folklore — not only from Mexico, which is the country I am representing, but from all the Latin American countries.”
Attendees came from different regions to participate or watch. Celeste Escarzaga from Chihuahua, Mexico said: “Watching ‘Luz de las Naciones’ has made me realize the power that the gospel has. I’m grateful that my family has been able to learn about the gospel through mission work, and now I am here too. I can only think of being thankful and grateful for it.”
Saby Ruiz-Monroy from South Florida reflected on her experience as a sole member in her family: “I’m the only member of my family right now,” she said. “It means a lot to me that I can share that with my future children, my family, that hey no matter where you are from, the Church is there, the gospel’s there, and that the Church is everywhere.”
Jamie Ninataype from Ogden noted how moved she was by seeing dancers carry flags representing Latin American countries during one performance: “All the dancers came out carrying flags of all beautiful countries that encompass Latin America,” Ninataype said. “This is what I believe ‘Luz de las Naciones’ really celebrates — our strength through our diversity. In a time of uncertainty for many it’s important now more than ever to realize we are not alone and we have so much good to share.”
Escarzaga added: “Coming together through Christ is just so powerful… It defines unity… I’m just super grateful for this whole ‘Luz de las Naciones.’ It makes impossible possible.”
