As we begin 2025, the team at Luma Creations—Francisco, Max, Esteban, Saranne, Oscar and Maya—reflects on 2024, a triumphant year brimming with creativity, connection, and cultural celebration. From dynamic projects and transformative programmes to unforgettable events; this year has showcased the incredible breadth of work we are privileged to deliver. Together, we have worked hard to elevate the platform for Latin American culture and the voice of its vibrant community, fostering growth, creativity, and a sense of belonging that resonates far beyond the stage. Here, we share our personal highlights and the moments that defined an incredible year.
Max:
2024 saw some amazing things happen again at Luma Creations, with a year filled with huge variety and new experiences; from playing for the Peruvian Ambassador, to making connections with new Latin American communities like Café Laziz in St Helens, having the fortune to see some of the most incredible artists from Latin America such as Marta Gomez, Nano Stern and Hamilton de Holandia as part of La Feria, and reconnecting to old friends and collaborators across the Northwest like John McGrath at Factory International, Manchester. So, picking a highlight isn’t easy – but then I think back to the whole reason I do this work, the things that drive me to push forward, and then it’s simple: seeing the pure joy and wonderment on a child’s face when you take them on a creative journey to a place outside of their experience and knowledge.
In 2023, Luma Creations created a touring puppet show using the traditions of Latin American storytelling and folklore for primary school-aged children, which toured around community libraries across the Liverpool City Region, giving many children their first experience of live theatre and music. We always knew that we wanted to take this show much further afield, to children across the Northwest, and the Arts Council England investment meant we could develop a small tour to areas outside the Liverpool city region.
Continuing our model of working with community libraries, who would then invite local primary schools in to see the show, we set up eight performances in Cheshire West and Cumbria, with the first four taking place in Frodsham, and where an entire school’s pupil register attended over the four performances. The second four took place in Cumbria, at libraries in Workington and Carlisle, which meant overnight stays away for the three of us performing, a novelty in itself.
You never know how things are going to turn out, particularly when you are in an area where you have rarely, if ever, performed before, so I was a little dismayed to see that Workington Library had advertised the morning performance to the public, as they had been unable to secure a suitable school until the afternoon. We had no idea if anyone would turn up, or who they might be if they did, and it became apparent very quickly that it would be an audience of parents with pre-school babies and toddlers – not the target audience we had been hoping for. Would the puppet show engage them at all, would they keep with it, would it scare them, or bore them?
I had no need to worry. From the moment the first chords were struck with the beginning song, the children, and the accompanying adults, were totally captivated. They completely bought-in to the characters and the story being told, reacting to the range of animal puppets, and joining in with the songs and the somewhat pantomime elements of the show. Yes, they got up and moved around of course, but they remained engaged, with many sitting open-mouthed, thoroughly involved. And for me, the absolute highlight was watching this little girl, who couldn’t have been much more than eight months old, utterly entranced throughout the whole performance and the short workshop at the end. She was fully fixed on the performers, the puppets, the musical instruments and all the songs, so much so, that the three of us continued to engage with her and the instruments after the workshop had finished, and many of the children and parents had started to leave. Apart from the odd squeal at whatever was happening in the action, she had been quiet throughout, fully absorbed, and remained so when we were showing her the remaining instruments. But we of course had to finish, and prepare for the second performance, and it was only then that she started to cry, full-on, proper tears. I think even her parents were taken aback by her reaction, and wish to carry on making music. We can only hope that she gets the opportunities, and can do this as she grows up, but ultimately, this is why we do what we do.
Oscar:
This year has been filled with rewarding moments, but a few stand out as truly unforgettable. Among the many talented artists we brought to Liverpool, the Nano Stern concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic was a particularly significant milestone for me. As someone who grew up in Chile, Nano Stern’s music is deeply intertwined with my roots. His work embodies the spirit of the music I grew up listening to, a continuation of the cultural legacy that shaped me. It had always been a dream of mine to see him perform live. To not only watch his extraordinary performance but also have the privilege of introducing him to our audience was a profoundly personal and moving experience.
The moments that truly warmed my heart came during our Tuesday Latin American Music Workshops. Watching participants immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of South American music has been a joy, but one story stands out. Over the past year, a student named Misky began learning to play the charango, a traditional Andean instrument. Week by week, I witnessed her growth and dedication. Through one-to-one classes, she has blossomed into a confident player, and it has been an absolute privilege to guide her on this journey.
These experiences remind me why we do what we do at Luma Creations. Sharing the music, stories, and heritage of Latin America isn’t just about performance—it’s about creating connections, fostering growth, and celebrating the enduring power of culture. I feel deeply honoured to have been part of these journeys in 2024, and I look forward to what 2025 will bring.
These experiences remind me why we do what we do at Luma Creations. Sharing the music, stories, and heritage of Latin America isn’t just about performance—it’s about creating connections, fostering growth, and celebrating the enduring power of culture. I feel deeply honoured to have been part of these journeys in 2024, and I look forward to what 2025 will bring.
Francisco:
This year has been filled with unforgettable moments, making it nearly impossible to narrow them down. After much thought, I’ve selected three experiences that truly illustrate the diversity and impact of the projects and programmes we are privileged to deliver as an organisation.
In May, I travelled to Chile as an international delegate to the South American Cultural Industries Expo, MicSur. I was invited by the Chilean Ministry of Culture and, as such, was determined to meet as many creatives from across South America as possible. I had over forty meetings in three days and attended a number of exceptional showcases. However, that wasn’t the highlight of the trip. After the Expo, we travelled to Valparaíso, Concepción, and Frutillar to visit three UNESCO Music Cities in Chile and meet with the cultural directors, teams, Music City coordinators, and mayors. I did this trip with my cousin Rodrigo, who is the director of a wonderful TV documentary series based on Chilean cuisine, Hacedor de Hambre. We were joined by two members of La Doctrina, a Chilean blues band who performed at LA FERIA 2022 and were instrumental in organising the trip to the south of Chile.
However, the highlight I am referring to was when Rodrigo took me to a very special restaurant in Valparaíso called “Tres Peces” (Three Fish). They had featured this restaurant in one of their shows, and he had talked about it a number of times during our trip. There, I sampled their famous conger eel dish, a Chilean signature soup, which comes with a large piece of conger eel, a large potato, a piece of corn on the cob, and a large piece of pumpkin. I had not eaten this dish since I had left Chile as an 11-year-old boy. I almost cried from the deliciousness of it. It wasn’t just about the amazing taste; it also embodied, in one simple dish, the life of an exile—what life would have been like if we didn’t have to leave. Gracias, Rodrigo.
Another powerful moment for me happened during LA FERIA at Sefton Park Palm House. The festival had been an amazing experience until then, but two contrasting moments stood out. I made a speech about Raymi Willka Saldaña Rojas (Bolivia/Peru), an amazing young boy of fourteen who died in a tragic accident in Holland. He would have closed the festival with his parents and their group, Sagrada Familia. At the same event, a young 12-year-old, Mateo Perez Cuesta (Colombia/Costa Rica), performed his own songs while his mother, filled with emotion, cried as she tried to film him. The wonderful response from the audience to Mateo and the professionalism with which he delivered his performance was deeply moving.
I believe one of the most important elements of our work is how we can make change happen and support our communities. When I think of significant moments, I have to highlight the collaboration with Liverpool Central Library. Denise Jones contacted me to ask if we had anybody who we felt would benefit from their Digital Inclusion Programme. This included delivering a session on how to use tablets and portable Wi-Fi units. The programme also ensured that each participant received the tablet and a roaming data device with enough data for six months. I contacted Café Laziz, who work with refugees and asylum seekers in St Helens, and also a group of Latin American refugees and asylum seekers based in the Wirral and Liverpool. We were able to help 20 people onto the programme. The difference this makes to their very difficult lives can be life-changing. Their smiles and gratitude remind me why we do what we do.
Esteban:
My highlight of 2024 is not necessarily related to a specific event, instead, it is the professional growth of the organisation and how we have been able to put together a wide array of diverse activities. The recognition from audiences, Luma Creations’ friends and collaborators, and other institutions is definitely an achievement that has been more clear than ever for me, and that I think will support and motivate our work in the near future. An example of this is the delivery of A Taste of Latin America (Family Day) during La Feria, at Sefton Park Palm House, in which we were able to produce a very attractive event, with artistic and technical quality, varied and diverse, and with very emotional moments. From a production perspective, this was a real challenge that our team embraced and worked hard to give the best.
Besides this, a personal highlight was to continue working with some international artists on a constant basis. We worked with Newen Afrobeat for a third consecutive year, not only in Liverpool, but supporting the band’s activities in the rest of the UK and Europe. We brought back Nano Stern to both Liverpool and London after very successful performances in 2023. Nano, and the awesome Colombian group Killabeatmaker (who performed in August at Future Yard), were able to travel to perform in the city of Foshan, China. All of this reflects Luma Creations’ work and connections at an international level, and its goal to engage with artists in the long term.
From a musical or artistic standpoint, I must mention the participation of Hamilton de Holanda in La Feria Festival, a renowned world artist, and multi-grammy award winner, who performed an incredible concert with an amazing band. This represents how Luma Creations is committed to promoting arts and music at the highest level and producing profound artistic experiences for our audiences and the city.
From a musical or artistic standpoint, I must mention the participation of Hamilton de Holanda in La Feria Festival, a renowned world artist, and multi-grammy award winner, who performed an incredible concert with an amazing band. This represents how Luma Creations is committed to promoting arts and music at the highest level and producing profound artistic experiences for our audiences and the city.
Maya:
2024 has probably been the most exciting year in terms of events and moments in a very long time, with potential new partners and new projects, some of which we used to talk about as ‘bucket list’ projects, partnerships and collaborations. Including a return to performances and making workshops. So to pick a handful of my special moments is extremely difficult and sometimes it might be impossible to pinpoint a specific performance.
Ten months ago, on March 1st 2024 Luma Creations launched a month-long exhibition of the arpillera project, ‘A Stitch In Time’ storytelling through textiles, (formed of appliqué, embroidery and other sewing techniques, laid over a coarse woven cloth) similar to the Chilean women who used the burlap potato sacks, and products made from wool, thread or fabric to create symbols and motifs that had cultural significance to tell their stories, especially when looking for their missing loved ones, at a time when all traditional forms of communication were banned during the military coup.
Most of the participants had never seen themselves as being creative or being able to work with fabrics and stitching. After being taught different techniques during workshop sessions, they produced complex and detailed arpilleras, and muñeca representations of themselves from recycled or found material and the exhibition itself was a surprise to all those who came through the doors of St Georges Hall.
Two events at Future Yard which were outstanding. The Newen Afrobeat gig played to a packed-out room and the Latin American Culture Day. Each of the musicians and singers in Newen Afrobeat are consummate artists in their own right and each person had an opportunity to showcase themself. But, the two singers’ performances and the conga and percussion player added a raw and thrilling energy, dancing in a confined area, that was high octane from start to finish. The Latin American Culture Day was a unique experience for the Wirral, and the day itself was hot and sunny, lending itself to the outdoor performances and for people to be seated around the performance area. It was also my first experience performing with the Luma Creations Dancers and seeing the phenomenal Killabeatmaker from Colombia. They use rare Indigenous instruments, mixing global rhythms with Afro-Colombian and Indigenous roots, urban beats and deep bass sounds and an extraordinary singer who had us hypnotised with her singing and playing as everyone danced under the blue sky and blazing heat of an untypical English summer day.
A Taste of Latin America at Sefton Park Palm House was a wonderful example that, even on a day when the heavy rain alters all the plans for an outdoor parade and no expectation of a big turnout, if you give people a unique and vibrant cultural programme, they will come to experience it. Over a thousand people turned up, but the highlight for me apart from dancing saya and cumbia, was that it was a true get-together of Latin Americans, many of whom were unaware that there were so many other Latin Americans in the Liverpool City Region. They exchanged telephone numbers, forged new friendships, their children played together, people spoke with various Latin American Spanish accents and people made plans to meet up. Local people asked Latin American people questions about various aspects of Latin American culture and how they have adapted to life in England.
A final highlight was drumming at the Liverpool Feds W.F.C. versus Sheffield United Women’s game in December. The warm welcome from their manager Maria, and an enthusiastic audience, a fantastic lunch of soup and sandwiches, made up for a cold damp winter day and Liverpool Feds losing to Sheffield United Women.
Saranne:
2024 has been an extraordinary year at Luma Creations, one filled with challenges, triumphs, and deeply rewarding experiences. It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to the incredible growth of our organisation, the flourishing of our community, and the ever-expanding platform we have cultivated for Latin American culture and its people.
One of the year’s most memorable moments for me was Latin American Culture Day at Future Yard, a collaboration with Wirral Borough of Culture. This event brought together and celebrated the Latin American community in the Wirral. The lead-up was fraught with challenges, testing our resilience and determination. There were moments when cancellation seemed inevitable, yet through teamwork, ingenuity, and the support of our associates and volunteers, we overcame every obstacle. The result was a truly memorable celebration. For me, the highlight came when headline artist Killabeatmaker took to the stage. I could finally let my hair down and dance alongside my friends and colleagues, enjoying the culmination of our collective hard work.
Another highlight was witnessing the poignant and soul-stirring performance of Ephemeral Ensemble’s play, REWIND, at the Bluecoat. This harrowing and deeply moving piece tracks back through time to reveal a universal story of the struggle for social justice. I sat in the theatre, overwhelmed with gratitude for the experience and being able to share such a powerful narrative at our festival, La Feria. It was a moment that underscored the vital role the arts play in fostering awareness, empathy, and change.
Lastly, creating, curating and developing the Luma Creations newsletter has been a deeply insightful journey. Each month, this publication has become a celebration of the incredible talent within the Latin American community here in the UK and beyond, a showcase of the diverse spectrum of work Luma Creations delivers, and a window into the kaleidoscope of cultures that make Latin America so unique. This process has been deeply enriching, offering me a stronger connection to my heritage and a greater appreciation of Latin America’s rich and multifaceted cultures.
As we close the book on an extraordinary 2024, we carry forward the lessons, memories, and milestones that have defined this remarkable year for Luma Creations. Through a shared commitment to uplifting Latin American culture, we have not only reached new heights as an organisation but also fostered deep connections with communities, artists, and audiences. Each event, performance, and initiative reflects the heart of what we do: celebrating diversity, inspiring creativity, and building bridges through culture. With gratitude for the incredible moments we’ve shared and excitement for what lies ahead, we step into 2025 ready to continue this exciting journey together. Here’s to another year of creativity, growth, and making unforgettable memories!
