Opening Ceremonies, Awards Ceremony & Proclamation at the Topeka Hispanic Heritage Month Festival! - 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Join us for the Opening Ceremonies, Awards Ceremony & Proclamation at the Topeka Hispanic Heritage Month Festival!

Celebrate the people, culture, and contributions that make our community special as we recognize this year’s award recipients and honor Hispanic Heritage Month with a special proclamation.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Red Bud Stage – NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
935 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608

Come celebrate culture, community, history, and heritage with us!

Ballet Folklórico de Topeka is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the beauty, history, and traditions of Mexican culture through the art of dance. Bringing together dancers of all ages, the group proudly shares the vibrant music, colorful costumes, and traditional dances that represent the many regions of Mexico.

More than a dance group, Ballet Folklórico de Topeka is a celebration of family, community, culture, and heritage. Through every performance, its dancers help keep traditions alive while inspiring younger generations to embrace and take pride in their cultural roots.

From local festivals and community celebrations to special cultural events, Ballet Folklórico de Topeka brings energy, tradition, and the spirit of Mexico to every stage.

Eli Lugo started singing when she was 6. A DJ at an event at her local church heard her sing and invited her to the stage. Even at that age, Lugo never felt embarrassed about performing, she said.
After that, Lugo’s mother encouraged her passion and found her music teachers. Her first teacher was Sandra Zamora. Under her guidance, Lugo participated in the Mi Talento Kids, a Kansas City area children’s contest. She took second place.
Now 13, Lugo takes classes with Victor Olvera. Previously, she received guitar lessons from Luis Portillo and singing lessons from Fedra Cooper.
“I’m really happy for every teacher I’ve had because they taught me so many things on how to do better and how I should be better in the future,” she said.
Lugo has performed at multiple events throughout the year, but her favorite is performing at Fiesta Hispana, where she has participated the past few years.
“I love to represent my culture, which is Mexico … and to show my culture,” 

Grupo Folklórico Izcalli is  a vibrant Kansas City, Kansas-based Mexican dance troupe founded in March 2021 by Annel Alvarez. Created initially as a supportive community refuge for mothers navigating postpartum life, the group expanded into a prominent cultural storytelling ensemble. They gained major regional and national exposure performing at an Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City Chiefs halftime show during Latinx Heritage Month in September 2021.

AGENDA CON TEMPO TRABUCLES  (Kids Show)

Get ready for a fun-filled show the whole family can enjoy! Agenda Con Tempo Trabucles is an exciting bilingual children’s performance packed with laughter, entertainment, and engaging moments for kids and adults alike.

Presented in English and Spanish, this lively show brings families together through the joy of performance, culture, and imagination. Whether you speak English, Spanish, or both, everyone is invited to join in the fun!

Hermanos De La Sierra is a talented musical group from Topeka, Kansas, bringing the energy, passion, and rich sounds of Mexican music to audiences throughout the community.

With a love for their culture and music, Hermanos De La Sierra delivers performances filled with authentic style, lively rhythms, and the spirit of celebration. Their music brings people together while helping keep Mexican musical traditions alive for both longtime fans and new generations.

Proud to represent Topeka and their Hispanic heritage, Hermanos De La Sierra continues to share their talent at festivals, celebrations, and community events.

We are proud to recognize and welcome Hermanos De La Sierra as part of Topeka’s growing and vibrant Latino arts and music community.

Lily Mendoza is a talented vocalist who brings the heart, passion, and tradition of Mexican music to every performance. With her vibrant voice and love for her culture, Lily celebrates the rich sounds of Mexico while connecting with audiences of all ages. Her performances are filled with energy, pride, and emotion, making her a wonderful representation of Mexican music and heritage. 

Clave Fina is a three-piece Mexican band proudly representing Topeka, Kansas, bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the sound of Mexican music. With accordion, guitar, and vocals at the heart of their sound, these talented young musicians are carrying forward a musical tradition that has connected generations.

What makes Clave Fina special is more than their music. They represent the next generation of young Mexican musicians, embracing their culture and heritage while developing a style and identity of their own. Their passion, dedication, and chemistry come through every time they perform.

From Topeka to wherever their music takes them next, Clave Fina is just getting started. With their talent and love for Mexican music, this young trio is helping keep the culture alive while inspiring another generation to be proud of where they come from.

Three musicians. One sound. One culture. Clave Fina.

SouLuna – Kansas City

SouLuna is a dynamic five-member band from the Kansas City area bringing together the passion of Latin music, alternative rock, and soul to create a sound all their own. Formed by five childhood friends, the group’s musical connection is rooted in years of friendship, shared experiences, and a love for their culture and community.

Known for their energetic blend of Rock Latino and soulful grooves, SouLuna delivers performances filled with rhythm, emotion, and an infectious energy that gets audiences moving. Their music celebrates their Latin roots while incorporating the sounds of rock and soul, creating a style that connects with listeners across generations and musical backgrounds.

SouLuna has become part of Kansas City’s vibrant live-music and cultural scene, performing at community celebrations and major local events, including KC Fiesta Hispana, Guadalupe Centers’ Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Silver City Day, and Rock Island Bridge.