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News Release

Rich Traditions Celebrated by Thousands at ‘Luz de las Naciones’

Watch the broadcast on Saturday, November 9

Thousands filled the Conference Center to capacity on Friday, November 8, in Salt Lake City, Utah, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual celebration of Latin American culture, “Luz de las Naciones” (Light of the Nations).

Downloadable B-roll & SOTs

The 90-minute multilingual fiesta featured songs and dances from countries throughout Latin America.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us that are not living in our countries to get together, to clap, to have fun, to feel joyful. And also, for people outside our countries to have a flavor of what it is like to live in Latin America,” said Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency.

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Thousands gather for the annual “Luz de las Naciones” celebration in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on November 8, 2024. 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles participated in the celebration.

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks as part of “Luz de las Naciones” in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, on November 8, 2024.2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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“I love the Latin culture, having had that blessing of getting to know how to be a part of it ever since I was 19 years old," he said. "All of these cultures in the end carry us toward Christ, toward our Heavenly Father, our eternal family, the the family that we all belong to.”

About 1,000 volunteers brought the performance to life. Brianna Flores Villaalta has been involved with the event for the past 13 years.

“I’ve grown with these women, these sisters, since I was eight years old. So truly, it’s not just a service experience, but it’s a family experience,” she said.

Now in its 22nd year, the event focuses on gratitude with the theme “Un Corazón Agradecido” (A Thankful Heart).

For me, gratitude is everything,” Sister Spannaus said.When we are grateful, we are happier.”

Gioconda Vaca, assistant director of “Luz de las Naciones,” says what makes this production unique is the strong connection between the cast and the audience.

“We are united in culture and through music, through faith, through dance, everything,” she said.

“Inspirational music has boundless power to unite us as our Heavenly Father’s children. It inspires us to love one another,” added Elder Jason C. Jensen, an Area Seventy.

View Online or On-Demand

Watch the live broadcast in Spanish on Saturday, November 9, at 8 p.m. mountain standard time. English and Portuguese versions with subtitles will also be available.

The live event will be recorded for on-demand viewing on broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Gospel Stream app and YouTube.

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Thousands gather for the annual “Luz de las Naciones” celebration in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on November 8, 2024. 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Download Photo

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