Fiesta: West Michigan's longest-running Latino cultural celebration returns, sets lineup

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ottawa News Network is a proud media sponsor of LAUP's annual Fiesta celebration.

HOLLAND — One of West Michigan’s most enduring cultural traditions is set to return this month, bringing five days of music, food and community programming to the lakeshore region.

Latin Americans United for Progress announced that the 62nd annual LAUP Fiesta will take place July 15-19. The multi-day festival, which draws thousands of residents and visitors annually, will span several prominent venues across the City of Holland, including the Holland Civic Center Place, Kollen Park and downtown Holland.

"Fiesta has always been a celebration that brings people together," said Alejandra Guillén, LAUP executive director. "It is a celebration of culture, family, tradition and community. We are proud to continue this beautiful legacy and invite everyone to be part of it."

Founded more than 60 years ago, LAUP is Michigan’s oldest Latino-led organization. The annual Fiesta serves as both a cultural showcase and a primary vehicle for the nonprofit's mission to support the regional Latino community through advocacy, education, and economic development.

Schedule and event highlights

This year’s expanded itinerary features a mix of free public gatherings, competitive showcases and family-focused programming:

Wednesday, July 15: Kickoff at the Farmers Market

• Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Holland Farmers Market (Holland Civic Center)
• Details: The festival opens with youth-focused cultural activities, community resource tables, and an interactive "Build Your Own Elote" station featuring traditional street corn toppings.

Thursday, July 16: Downtown Cultural Showcase

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: GDK Park (downtown Holland)
• Details: Part of the city's Summer Street Performer Series, this evening event will highlight traditional Latino dance and live music, featuring performances by the GVSU Monarcas dance group, Flow like Water and Edwin Campos.

Friday, July 17: Concert in the Park

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Location: Kollen Park
• Details: A free, family-friendly outdoor concert featuring regional act Grupo Bengala. Local food trucks will be on-site, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Saturday, July 18: Fiesta Celebration, Talent Show, and Baile

• Main Fiesta and Mercadito: The artisan market "El Mercadito" opens at 8:30 a.m., followed by the main festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center. Admission is free and includes children's activities and local vendor booths.
• Talent show: Local singers and dancers will compete for cash prizes during consecutive rounds at noon and 2 p.m.
• Fiesta Baile (7 p.m.-1 a.m.): The traditional evening dance returns to the Civic Center as a ticketed fundraiser for LAUP's community programs. Musical headliners include La Furia del Ritmo, Grupo Ekilibriio and Alpha Music.

Sunday, July 19: Car Show & FIFA World Cup Final Broadcast

• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Location: Holland Civic Center
• Details: The festival concludes with a dual-event lineup. A regional Car Show will feature live music by Villanueva Tamborazo and a $500 tire raffle (vehicle registration runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon for a $20 fee). Simultaneously, the Civic Center's Market Side will host a free public broadcast of the FIFA World Cup Final. Youth soccer clinics and games will be provided by First Tee and Tulip City United, featuring a special appearance by former Mexican professional footballer Manuel Vidrio.

Based in Holland, Latin Americans United for Progress provides culturally relevant services including workforce development, youth programs, citizenship navigation, and small business support to families across the Lakeshore region.

For volunteer or sponsorship opportunities regarding the 2026 Fiesta, visit laup.org.

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