The 27th annual Carnaval performance returned to the Edison Theatre to showcase Latin American and Caribbean roots through dance, dramaturgy, and dazzling illustrations of cultural pride. This year, their performance, “Amparo,” meaning “protection,” highlighted the importance of maintaining connections despite distance or difference. Acts ranged from Brazilian Funk to Mariachi to Chicane Band, and the Colombian Dance act made its debut. Carnaval ended on a high note with Bomba, and for the first time in the show’s history, each night sold out. Proceeds from the show went to Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope), a community-based program that supports Spanish-speaking and immigrant families in southern Illinois.

Photos by Bri Nitsberg | Managing Photo Editor