Hoosier Latino Celebration 2023

Join the Indiana Historical Society for a celebration of Latino history and culture in Indiana and the Midwest through the first annual Hoosier Latino Celebration. Through music, art, food and scholarship, visitors will experience a blend of activities to help deepen their understanding of Latino culture, celebrate the role and influence Latino communities have had in shaping the state, and share in our commonalities.

You won’t want to miss the special art installation by Justin Favela, which will hang from the ceiling in Eli Lilly Hall throughout the run of the festival. This exhibit will be open during regular operating hours.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the run of the Hoosier Latino Celebration, additional programming called “Heritage Nights and Days” will provide further opportunities for visitors of all ages to connect with Latino history and culture. Visitors can participate in hands-on art activities such as making their own piñata art, inspired by artist Justin Favela, a mixed-media artist known for large-scale installations and sculptures! Lectures, panel discussions and book talks will also take place — check out the schedule here.

Local performers highlighting music from various nationalities will delight and educate — you may even find yourself wanting to get up and dance! Suggestions for books and activities will be available to help you continue the celebration at home; don’t forget to grab a recipe card or two, featuring historic recipes from the Indiana Historical Society collection!

Presented by Lacy Foundation
Supported by Arthur Jordan Foundation

Justin Favela

Justin is a mixed-media artist known for large-scale installations and sculptures. Using the piñata style, Justin draws on his Guatemala-Mexican-American heritage to showcase Latino identity in the United States. His work has been featured at museums around the United States, including the Denver Art Museum, the Museo de las Americas, and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History among many others. In 2021, Justin was awarded the Joan Mitchell Fellowship. His first book, Justin Favela: Fantasía/Fantasy, A Decade of Practice 2011-2021, is now available to purchase from risoriso.me. You can learn more about Justin’s work and follow along with his projects on Instagram at @favyfav.