’Round the World Festival at Chochenyo Park

Free music, dance, art festival to feature Colombian star Chika Di

Driving rhythms, vibrant regalia, fabulous footwork, and flavorful cuisines will highlight the ’Round the World Festival, a free celebration of music, dance, art, food and culture from Latin and Indigenous traditions presented by Rhythmix Cultural Works and the City of Alameda on Saturday, September 21, noon to 5 p.m. at Chochenyo Park .

The afternoon of fun for the whole family will feature Colombian singer/songwriter Chika Di, as well as local artists. With a passion that transcends borders, headliner Chika Di blends traditional Latin, electronic, Afro, and pop musical genres, showcasing her powerful Colombian vocals in her high-energy live performance.

Audiences will discover the unique instruments and musical traditions of Afro-Peruvian culture with Cunamacué, feel the strength and spirit of eight generations of Afro-Puerto Rican bomba dance and rhythms with Batey Tambó, experience the rich cultural heritage of Brazilian percussion with Tambores e Samba, and witness ancestral dances of Bolivia with Kantuta Ballet Folklórico de Bolivia.

Artisan crafts will be available in the multicultural marketplace, along with delicious Latin-inspired foods from Chef Hits the Streets, Teaqueria, Crazy Empanadas, and Boriqua Kitchen.

Multi-cultural arts, crafts and activities for all ages will be provided by Rhythmix Cultural Works, the Alameda Free Library , and the City of Alameda Recreation & Park Department .

The ‘Round the World Festival is presented in partnership with the City of Alameda Recreation and Park Department as part of the Rhythmix in the Parks Family Concert Series which aims to support the local community by celebrating our diverse cultural traditions, uplifting underserved voices, supporting BIPOC artists, and redefining Alameda’s City parks as accessible and safe spaces to be enjoyed by all.

Chochenyo Park is located at 2430 Encinal Avenue. Admission is free. Online RSVP is encouraged.

’Round the World Performers

Chika Di

With a passion that transcends borders, Colombian-born and California-based recording artist/songwriter Chika Di blends traditional Latin, electronic, Afro, and pop, showcasing powerful Colombian vocals. Her music has resonated on popular streaming and TV series such as Euphoria, Generation+, Gentefied (Netflix), Vida (Starz), and the upcoming movie Beautiful Wedding. A fierce advocate for culture and community, as well as an active voting member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs San Francisco chapter, Chika Di is making waves and creating a lasting impact in the global music scene.

Batey Tambó

¡La Bomba Es Vida! Batey Tambó is an Oakland- and San Francisco-based women of color-led cultural group grounded in the centuries-old musical tradition of Afro-Indigenous Puerto Rican Bomba. Batey Tambó director/founder Denise Solís (La Bombera de la Bahia) founded one of the first all-female Bomba ensembles, Las Bomberas de la Bahia and is one of the first women to play the Subidor (lead drum) in the tradition of Bomba. Batey Tambo co-director, Julia Caridad Cepeda (Julia Danse), is from the esteemed Cepeda Family, who have carried this tradition for more than eight generations and counting. Julia has been dancing Bomba for more than 40 years. Together, Julia and Denise also co-lead Taller Bombalele—Bomba Percussion & Dance classes offered at Rhythmix Cultural Works. They teach Bomba Cangrejera in the tradition and with the blessing of their elders in La Familia Cepeda.

Cunamacué

Afro-Peruvian dance, music, and culture come to life as Cunamacué invites audiences of all ages to participate in their interactive journey of dance and rhythm. Discover the cajon, cajita, and quijada—instruments unique to Afro-Peruvian culture—and explore the exciting dance movements and rhythms of Zamacueca, Zapateo, and Festejo. Get ready to clap your hands and move your feet as you embody Afro-Peruvian culture. Founded by Peruvian-born dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and educator Carmen Román, Cunamacué brings visibility to the presence and cultural knowledge of the African descendant population in Peru. Photo Alexa Treviño.

Kantuta Ballet Folklórico de Bolivia

Founded in 2006 and based in San Leandro, Kantuta Ballet Folklórico de Bolivia preserves and promotes Bolivia’s heritage, culture & folklore through its ancestral dances.

Tambores e Samba

Tambores e Samba, a Brazilian music group formed by Abel Damasceno, draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Brazil’s percussion-driven music. Influenced by iconic groups such as Olodum, Timbalada, and Ile Aiye, Tambores e Samba creates a sound that is both traditional and innovative, blending the rhythmic complexity of traditional Brazilian music with modern influences. Damasceno, a native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, is a professional Brazilian multi-instrumentalist and educator, currently living in Alameda. He has studied from esteemed masters including Bira Monteiro since the age of 12, and has performed with master percussionists Jorge Alabe, Mike Spiro and Luis Badaro. Damanesco also has worked as a teaching artist for Cheza Nami Foundation, Get Empowered, Music in Schools Today, and Living Jazz Children’s Project.

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