Latin American Artisans and Entrepreneurs Expo

GRUPO FOLKLORICO EL TAYRONA

 COLOMBIA

EL TAYRONA is a non-profit folkloric dance company based in Falls Church, Virginia, dedicated to preserving and sharing the richness of traditional Colombian culture. Their mission is to promote Colombia’s heritage through vibrant performances that celebrate the country’s diverse regional dance traditions.

Throughout their journey, EL TAYRONA has proudly represented Colombia on national and international stages, participating in festivals, fairs, and cultural celebrations. Each performance offers a dynamic journey through Colombia’s regions, highlighting the music and dances that reflect the fusion of Indigenous, African, and European influences.

Their shows are versatile and adaptable, ranging from 30-minute performances to full two-hour concerts, delivering an experience filled with color, rhythm, and tradition.

GRUPO RAICES ECUATORIANAS

ECUADOR

 In September 2022, a group of Ecuadorian women living in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland (DMV) area founded a dance group called Guarmis Waita, a Quechua term meaning “Flower Women.” One year later, in September 2023, the group evolved into Raíces Ecuatorianas to more fully represent the richness of Ecuador’s culture and traditions.

Through vibrant dances and traditional attire from different regions, the group proudly showcases the diversity and beauty of Ecuadorian heritage, sharing its rhythms, colors, and stories with audiences throughout the community.

The organization is dedicated to promoting cultural heritage, creating educational opportunities, and organizing events that celebrate Ecuadorian traditions while building a stronger, more united community.

ALMA Y FOLKLORE

MEXICO

Founded in 2022 by Oaxacan native Sayra Arelin Figueroa Cruz, Alma y Folklore of Mexico is an artistic group dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexican traditions through dance. Made up of young girls and women, their mission is to honor Mexico’s cultural heritage with authenticity, respect, and pride.

Each performance is a tribute to indigenous communities and the artisans who keep traditions alive, representing the history and traditional attire of each region with dignity.

In 2025, they received the Cultural Heritage Award at the Latin American Artisans Expo and stood out at the Ms. International Folklore Ambassador pageant, where Mexico earned the title among delegations from ten countries.

FLOR DE CAFE

Flor de Café is a Salvadoran folkloric dance group based in the DMV area, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of El Salvador through traditional dance. Their performances bring to life the vibrant rhythms, colorful costumes, and meaningful stories that reflect the identity and spirit of Salvadoran culture. Through each presentation, Flor de Café reconnects communities with their roots while inspiring pride in cultural traditions across generations.

ESTAMPAS PERUANAS DE VIRGINIA

Estampas Peruanas of Virginia is a non-profit cultural group dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional Peruvian dances in the United States. It was founded in 2010 by Aide Salvatierra, Celia Reyna, and Sonia Edith Girón with the purpose of teaching their children the dances of their heritage and strengthening their cultural identity from an early age.

Made up of children and youth of Peruvian descent, the group has grown into a true artistic family that honors the richness of Peruvian folklore through performances and community activities.

Their repertoire includes dances from the coast, highlands, and jungle regions of Peru, such as marinera, huaylas, tondero, and saya, bringing audiences a message of identity, pride, and tradition.

TINKUS KAY'SUR FILIAL VIRGINIA

 Tinkus Kay’Sur is a Bolivian folkloric dance fraternity founded on November 16, 2012, in Maryland by Fernando and Fidelia Ferrufino, with the mission of preserving and promoting Bolivia’s cultural traditions.

Specializing in the ancestral Tinku dance— a vibrant expression of the Andean people— the fraternity shares the strength, spirit, and color of Bolivian folklore through energetic and meaningful performances.

The Virginia chapter was founded on February 7, 2025, by Steven Urgiles and is currently coordinated by Paola Encinas de Larín.
Tinkus Kay’Sur has more than 33 chapters across the Americas, Europe, and the United States, strengthening its cultural presence worldwide.

SUMAJ TUSUY DMV 

Sumaj Tusuy DMV is a Peruvian dance group originally founded in Miami over 20 years ago. With deep roots in traditional dance, the group has performed across the U.S. and internationally, sharing the richness of Peruvian culture through movement and storytelling.

In 2024, Sumaj Tusuy DMV was established in the Washington D.C. metro area to continue this mission—offering dance classes, performances, and workshops that celebrate heritage, build community, and honor the power of cultural expression.

BOLIVIA USA

Tinkus Bolivia USA is a Bolivian folkloric dance group based in the DMV area, dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditional Tinku dance. Founded with a strong family-oriented vision, the group brings together community members of all ages to celebrate Bolivian heritage through powerful choreography, vibrant costumes, and cultural expression. Their performances reflect the strength, unity, and deep-rooted traditions of the Andean culture, creating a meaningful connection between generations and their cultural identity. 

AQUI ESTA MI PERU

 Ballet Folklórico “Aquí Está Mi Perú,” founded on April 21, 2024, in the United States, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Peru on international stages. Through vibrant performances, the group brings to life the traditions of the Andes, coast, and Amazon, celebrating the diversity, history, and spirit of the Peruvian people. With pride and passion, they honor their roots while sharing the beauty of Peru with the world.