Come together to shout and celebrate equality and justice for all communities at Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14 at Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion. Featuring this year’s theme, “Nuestra Voz, Nuestra Fuerza,” or “Our Voice, Our Strength,” this family-orientated festival commemorates the independence of Latin American countries.

Sea Mar began hosting Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias over 25 years ago in the South Park neighborhood, and expanded the celebration in 2010 to join the Seattle Center Festál festival series. The weekend always kicks off with a parade on Saturday morning in South Park, followed by two days filled with vibrant music, folkloric dance, delicious food, an art exhibition, children's activities, and a health fair at Seattle Center.

This year, plan to spend plenty of time at the Fisher Pavilion, where there will be a full schedule of live traditional music and folk-dance performances, including by Monamor, Bailadores de Bronce, Mariachi Guadalajara, Grito de Independencia, Banda Tamborazo La Pachanga, La Sonora Dinamita, Los Rebeldes de la Cueca (Chile), Caña Dulce (Costa Rica), Latino Twist, Los Reales del Norte, and SurLlajta Música Andina, among others.

Attendees can also join in the celebration through movement at the Armory! Programs include Zumba® Gold, Zumba® Kids, Zumba® Toning, ZJ Madalene Aponte, Fit Gypsy, Seattle Catrinas, Caribbean Fest, and Halau Hula O Napualani.

Be sure to also check out cultural and community activities, from Viva Art Exhibit and children’s activities, to the annual Health Fair offering free health screenings and wellness information.

Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias is part of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round series of 25 free cultural festivals. Learn more about Festál (seattlecenter.com/festal).