Welcome to Seattle Center
SEATTLE, WA— Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Latin America at Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias from 12 p.m.–9 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, and from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion. The free, family-oriented event is part of the Seattle Center Festál year-round series of cultural festivals.
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national Independence Day in September. It is a festival to celebrate history, while taking pride in new generations of Latinos who now call the United States home.
This year’s theme, “Nuestra Voz, Nuestra Fuerza,” or “Our Voice, Our Strength,” celebrates the rich cultural Latino heritage. All will come together to shout and celebrate equality and justice for all communities.
Sea Mar began hosting Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias more than 25 years ago in the South Park neighborhood and expanded the celebration in 2010 to join Festál. 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.
Festival highlights:
Live Music & Dance (Fisher Pavilion):
Enjoy performances by Monamor, Bailadores de Bronce, Mariachi Guadalajara de Seattle, 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.
Fitness & Dance Workshops (Armory):
From Zumba® classes and Hula to Caribbean and Folklórico dance, attendees can join in the celebration through movement. Programs include Zumba® Gold, Zumba® Kids, Zumba® Toning, ZJ Madalene Aponte, Fit Gypsy, Seattle Catrinas, Caribbean Fest, and Halau Hula O Napualani.
Cultural & Community Activities:
There will also be opportunities to explore the Viva Art Exhibit, children’s activities, a free health fair offering health screenings and wellness information, in addition to authentic Latin American cuisine from local vendors throughout the weekend.
“Fiestas Patrias is a special event that celebrates the Latino/a/x community and its contributions the community has provided to the larger population. Fiestas Patrias is intended to be a vibrant celebration that pays homage to the Latino/a/x history and cultural heritage,” said Angelica Barajas, a Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias organizer. “These festivities serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and spirit of the Latino/a/x people. From the echoes of the Grito de Dolores to the colorful parades that fill the streets, Fiestas Patrias embodies a deep sense of pride and unity among Latino/a/x.”
Fiestas Patrias commemorates the anniversary of independence from Spain and highlights national pride and cultures in Mexico, the U.S., Costa Rica, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The festival coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from mid-September to mid-October.
This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 cultural festivals presented by community groups and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year.
About Sea Mar Community Health Centers
Sea Mar Community Health Centers was founded by a group of Latino community leaders in 1978. This group sought to address the healthcare needs in western Washington, specifically among the Spanish-speaking communities. Sea Mar understands the barriers Latinos and other immigrant communities may face when navigating the healthcare system, pursuing a higher education, or simply trying to make a living. For this reason, Sea Mar goes beyond primary care and has established additional programs, services, and events like Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias to celebrate Latino cultural traditions.
About Seattle Center Festál
Seattle Center Festál is a unique public program series of 25 free cultural festivals, each offering its own celebration of heritage and identity. These events provide a range of engaging programs and activities to cultivate a deeper understanding of the diversity of our region. Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership with community groups, presented on weekends from January to November and supported by City of Seattle, Seattle Center Foundation, and 4Culture.
About Seattle Center — The Cultural Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of the city. It is home to more than 30 partner organizations—including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others—alongside world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events for all ages, centered around the iconic International Fountain.
As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts & Cultural District, Seattle Center serves as a hub for creative expression, cultural diversity, and civic life. It also manages the City’s new Waterfront Park in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle, delivering cultural programming, operations, and civic care on Seattle’s revitalized downtown waterfront.
In 2025, Seattle Center is projected to generate over $900 million in visitor spending, contribute more than $2 billion in total regional economic impact, and support more than 18,600 jobs. With the support of our Official Partners—Alaska Airlines, The Climate Pledge, Coors Light, Pepsi, Symetra, T-Mobile, and WaFd Bank— Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact
Madison Miller, Why for Good
madison@whyforgood.com 425-246-5468
