Enjoy Celebración Latina at Audubon Zoo!

The beloved Latin American cultural event Celebración Latina returns to Audubon Zoo on Sunday, September 20, 2026. This fun-filled day of celebrating the Latin American culture features live music, dancing, and delicious Latin cuisine.

Celebración Latina presented by Pan-American Life Insurance Group will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during regular Zoo hours (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) There will be music throughout the day, and guests can grab delicious Latin American food and enjoy delicious street-style favorites made with vibrant ingredients and inspired by traditional recipes from across Latin America. Food vendors include Tia Marias, Waska Latin Kitchen, De la Guera Food Truck, and Mimas Peruvian Desserts.

Audubon Zoo is home to many animals from Central America. While enjoying the Celebración Latina festivities, visitors can stroll through the Zoo and explore Jaguar Jungle to see many fascinating animals including jaguars, peccary, spider monkeys, and alpacas. There are several young capybaras in Jaguar Jungle’s Rivers Edge that are always a crowd favorite.

"For more than 100 years, Pan-American Life has maintained strong ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, making Celebración Latina especially meaningful to our organization," said José S. Suquet, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Pan-American Life Insurance Group. "We are proud to support an event that brings people of all backgrounds together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and experience the vibrant traditions, culture, and spirit of the Latino community. Events like this not only honor our shared heritage but also create opportunities to strengthen the connections that make our community so special."

Celebración Latina spotlights local music all day on the Capital One Stage featuring a variety of bands, dance lessons, and performances.

10:00 a.m. – noon: DJ Lady B

12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.: Cristina Kaminis (Band)

1:10 p.m.-1:20 p.m.: Ritmeaux Krewe (Performance)

1:20 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: Salsa Lessons with DJ Lady B

2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Papo y Son Mandao (Band)

3:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m.: Lucha Krewe (Performance)

3:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Vive mi Tierra (Folkloric dance performance)

3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.: Los Güiros (Band)

“Celebración Latina strengthens our community by bringing people together, celebrating shared values, and honoring the rich traditions that make New Orleans so vibrant and unique. We are proud to host this special event and celebrate the spirit of community and togetherness,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute Chief Executive Officer and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.

Audubon is welcoming many groups throughout the area to take part in the event including:

• The New Neighbor Project
• Ritmeaux Krewe
• Las Fridas Krewe
• Consulado de México en Nueva Orleans
• Stone Center
• Puentes New Orleans
• Lucha Krewe
• Pixie Dust
• Bennys Sensory Activation vehicle
• Vive mi Tierra (Ballet Folklórico dance group)
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
• Our Voice Nuestra Voz with crafts sponsored by Benson Moving Company

Again this year, Audubon Zoo will host an Audubon Animal Ofrenda as part of this event. An ofrenda is a traditional memorial display that honors those who have passed with remembrance and celebration. In recognition of this meaningful tradition, this Ofrenda honors the beloved animals that have been part of the Audubon family and celebrates their impact and legacy.

Celebración Latina is included with Zoo admission; Audubon All-Access and Audubon Zoo Members always get in free. For more information: AudubonZoo.com/celebracion