Agustín Lira & Alma chronicle the experiences and hidden histories of Chicano, Indigenous, and immigrant communities integral to California’s cultural fabric.

Julie Freundt was a participant in Perú: Pachamama, as the lead singer for the music and dance ensemble Marinera Viva!!! After seeing the 2015 Folklife Festival video “Crossing,” she sent us these song lyrics and reflection about her experience.

During an evening concert at the 2015 Folklife Festival, Peruvian singer Julie Freundt dedicated this tondero song to José Antonio, the first breeder of the Peruvian Paso horse.

As I walked around the Festival, my legs almost took on a life of their own, forcing me toward the Afro-Peruvian Music and Dance tent, where the sound of the resonating cajónes intermingled with intricate guitar figurations and the powerful yet warm voice

Only July 2, the 2015 Folklife Festival welcomed a special guest to the Perú: Pachamama program: two-time Latin Grammy winner Susana Baca.

Viento Callejero (“street breeze”) represents the youthful vigor of a renaissance of Latino dance music in communities from East L.A. to Oakland.

The Trío de Estudiantina Municipal de Ayacucho is part of a larger community ensemble that performs for fiestas, funerals, and other town events. They practice the huayno, a traditional genre with Andean roots

You may not know his name, but you have probably heard his music. Since the 1960s, percussionist Alex Acuña has performed and recorded with Paul McCartney, U2, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald

After the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Folklife Festival, 100 Cajoneros—an ensemble of Peruvians living in the United States—welcomed the Perú: Pachamama program to the National Mall.

The event featured a few of the visiting performance groups representing the Perú: Pachamama program, plus speakers from the Smithsonian, the National Park Service, American and Peruvian embassies, and more.