Difference between revisions of ""Luz de las Naciones""

Revision as of 21:50, 7 November 2024

"Luz de las Naciones," or "Light of the Nations," is a celebration of Latin American culture hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each year, a different theme is represented in traditional music and dance, such as “Nuestra Tierra” (“Our Land”); “Una Luz Para Todos” (“A Light for All)”; "Juntos es Mejor" ("Better Together"); and “Un corazón agradecido” (“A thankful heart”). The "Luz de las Naciones" websites explains, "It stands as a tribute to the unifying strength found in coming together through Christ."

The heart and soul of Luz de las Naciones lies in its ability to unite people and is a testament to the power of music and dance to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate the shared human experience and love of Jesus Christ.[1]

The celebration is more than twenty years old, and was presented virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, with segments recorded in a variety of locations. The first “Luz de las Naciones” event was in 2002.

The roots of the stretch back to the 1920s when missionaries began sharing the gospel in Spanish to Mexicans in Salt Lake City, according to the Church News archives. Within a few years, a Spanish-speaking branch was created. By 1960, it had grown and was known as the Lucero Ward. Performing traditional dances and music helped preserve their culture and has been part of the congregation since those early days — and included a group that performed in the 1930 Church centennial celebration in the Tabernacle. As it was passed down to succeeding generations, those influenced by these groups helped produce what is now known as “Luz de las Naciones.”[2]

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, who was born and raised in Argentina. A few years ago, Sister Spannaus was part of a choir that performed in “Luz de las Naciones. She has fond memories of the experience and came away with many new friendships. One of her favorite parts of the cultural event is seeing all the colorful dresses and customs, as well as feeling of “joyful ambience as people clap and sing.”

“It’s a large, beautiful community. Your heart is pounding because here is your country, your music, the things in your culture. It’s wonderful to see your country represented,” she said. “We can have unity among us when we share our culture.”

Creating unity with others brings one closer to Jesus Christ, she said.

“There is something special about meeting other people and becoming friends because you can feel this unity that we need to have with Christ. And when we have this unity with other people, we are more united with Jesus Christ,” Sister Spannaus said.[3]

Elders Ulisses Soares and D. Todd Christofferson have attended the event and delivered messages.