Honouring Heritage, Unity, and Service: A Historic Commemoration at Canadian Latin Fest 2025

By Captain Rey Garcia-Salas

The Canadian Latin Fest 2025 was a powerful two-day celebration of culture, remembrance, and resilience. Held at Nathan Phillips Square on May 31 and June 1, the event showcased the diversity and strength of Latin American communities in Canada — and, for the first time, featured an official tribute to Latin Americans who served in the Canadian Armed Forces through a solemn remembrance ceremony.

The festival commenced on Saturday, May 31, with a moving tribute to community founders and leaders, including a heartfelt remembrance of William Monterrosa, a young Latino born in Canada whose life and memory continue to inspire youth and families. The stage came alive with a stellar lineup including Melodías de Bolivia, Mexican Legacy, and performers such as Kokoita Shows, Manny Cardenas, Justin Gonzales, Irvis Juarez, Siempre Santana, and Cumbia Power. DJ G NOBI and Production in the 6IX brought vibrant energy, igniting the spirit of unity and celebration.

Mayor Olivia Chow honoured the event with her presence on both days, reflecting her ongoing support for cultural inclusion and diversity in Toronto.

On Sunday, June 1, the festival marked a milestone in Canadian multicultural and military history with the first-ever Latin American Remembrance Ceremony held during a major public cultural gathering. This historic moment was made possible through the leadership of Casa Cultural Peruana Inc., the Canadian Latin Fest Committee led by its President Betzabe Requena, and the advocacy of the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC).

The ceremony began with an opening performance by DJ G NOBI, the Canadian national anthem, and welcoming remarks by civic leaders including Matias De Dovitiis, TDSB Trustee, and Mayor Olivia Chow. A land acknowledgement set the tone for the event, honouring Indigenous heritage and underscoring reconciliation as a cornerstone of multicultural unity.

Representing both the Canadian Armed Forces and LASC, Captain Rey Garcia-Salas delivered a poignant speech recognizing Latin American soldiers who served Canada with distinction, often without the recognition they deserved:

“These men were pioneers — not only in battle, but in the long, ongoing journey toward recognition, equity, and inclusion. Their stories challenge us to remember that Canadian identity has always been enriched by those who came from afar and gave their all for this country.”

Capt. Garcia-Salas highlighted the contributions of soldiers from Guatemala, Colombia, Panama, and Peru — from officers to privates — whose courage and service are finally receiving acknowledgment.

Dignitaries from across the Americas came together in a display of international solidarity:

• Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
• Minister José Luis Donayre, Consul of Peru
• Jan Woolfordo, Consul of Panama
• Silvia Samines, Vice-Consul of Guatemala
• Captain (N) Marco Antonio Castro Caballero, Defence & Naval Attaché of Peru
• Alvaro Javier Orrantia Zabarain, Colombian Military Representative
• Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, CAF Officer & LASC Representative
• Betzabe Requena, Director and CEO, Casa Cultural Peruana & Organizer of the Canadian Latin Festival
• Matias De Dovitiis, TDSB Trustee
• Giuseppe Marconi & Ingrid Cabezas, Latin American Soldiers Committee
• Marimba Almayas de Oro, Honorific Presidents of Centre Culturel Ix Balam
• Néstor Castro Ghiut, President, National Association Pro Navy of Peru

Each delivered heartfelt messages of remembrance and solidarity.

The wreath-laying ceremony stood as the emotional core of the event — a dignified tribute recognizing the courage of Latin American veterans who served under the Canadian flag. Each wreath represented a nation’s enduring gratitude and a collective act of historical justice.

The following dignitaries laid wreaths in honour of their countries and communities:

• Peru: Minister Donayre, Captain (N) Castro Caballero, and Betzabe Requena honoured Peruvian-born soldiers who served with valor and whose contributions are now emerging from the shadows of history.
• Panama: Consul Jan Woolfordo placed a wreath acknowledging Panamanian Canadians who served during the World Wars.
• Guatemala: Vice-Consul Samines, accompanied by Marimba Almayas de Oro, highlighted Guatemala’s lasting connection with its diaspora and its unspoken veterans.
• Colombia: Lieutenant Orrantia Zabarain and Ingrid Cabezas commemorated the service of Colombian Canadians whose military values mirror those of Canada.
• Latin American Soldiers Committee: Giuseppe Marconi and Matias De Dovitiis presented a wreath representing the broader Latin diaspora and its historical contributions.
• Peruvian Navy Veterans in Canada: Néstor Castro Ghiut laid the final wreath, bridging military service across nations and generations.

Each wreath was more than a floral tribute — it was a gesture of respect, remembrance, and recognition. Laid with reverence at the commemorative altar, they unified attendees in a profound shared moment.

A symbolic Unity Walk followed, guiding attendees from the main stage to the Tribute Area and reinforcing the deep connection between celebration and commemoration.

The festival continued with a vibrant display of Latin American culture and performance, including folk dance groups such as Raíces de Chile, Casa Cultural Peruana, and Así es Mi Tierra Perú. Artists like Susana Cárdenas, Manny Cardenas, Samba Squad, Sikuris St. Lawrence, and the Sabor Latino Band delivered captivating performances that energized the audience.

Special recognition was given to Chef Jorge Luis Araujo, an internationally acclaimed Peruvian chef whose culinary artistry bridges communities and cultures.

This year’s edition of the Canadian Latin Festival, and especially the Remembrance Ceremony, marked a transformative chapter in the way Canada honours its multicultural heritage. It was the second time Latin American veterans were formally recognized in Toronto (following LASC’s 2022 tribute to Private Rafael Rodriguez).

LASC’s participation in public cultural events is reserved for select partnerships, including the Canadian Latin Fest and the Canadian Peruvian Multicultural Festival — a commitment reflecting their dedication to highlighting Latin Canadian military contributions and promoting historical awareness.

“Memory is a form of justice, and remembrance is the first step toward healing and unity.”

Thanks to the unwavering efforts of the Latin American Soldiers Committee, Casa Cultural Peruana, Production in the 6IX, and Bellisimo Photo Booth, this historic moment was preserved and amplified.

The Canadian Latin Festival reminded us that Canadian identity is a living mosaic — forged by many hands, voices, and sacrifices.

Let this be the beginning of a lasting legacy — one that grows stronger each year, honouring the past while inspiring generations to serve, lead, and celebrate with pride.

Photo credit: Casa Cultural Peruana Inc
Video credit: Production in the 6IX and Bellisimo Photo Booth
Special thanks: All sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who made this historic event possible.