Noche Latina promises fire, flavour, and fiesta
If there’s one night that turns the Carnival Village into the heartbeat of Latin culture, it’s Noche Latina (Latin Night); and this year’s show is turning up the heat like never before.
Described by Dominican Roots Foundation President Milagros De Windt as “a hot show with great music,” the 2025 edition promises energy, world-class performers, and a celebration that bridges culture, community, and Caribbean vibes.
The spotlight will shine on a great line-up of Latin stars, each one bringing their unique rhythm to the stage.
Headlining the night is none other than Luis Vargas, whose influence helped shape the genre into what it is today. “Luis Vargas, a legend of Bachata genre,” Milagros said. He’s known as El Rey Supremo de la Bachata for a reason, and fans can expect a nostalgic, singalong set of his classic hits. Vargas entered onto the bachata scene in the early 1980s. He was one of the first bachata artistes to go into the Latin mainstream. Vargas is credited as the first bachatero to use guitar pedals – an idea he got from bachata sound engineer Rafael Montilla.
Montilla added a chorus pedal to Vargas’ guitar while recording his album El Maiz in 1991. He is also credited as the first bachatero to implement the use of humbucker pickups on acoustic electric guitars. Self-produced and promoted, he sold his first albums in the early 1980's. Sony Discos (now Sony Music Latin) signed him in 1996, releasing Volvio el Dolor in 1997. He is the first bachata artiste signed to Sony Music Latin.
Joining him will be El Blachy, the viral sensation known for “Pero Dime – En Vivo” with over 6.2 million streams on Spotify. “He is also well-known by his songs ‘Hola Perdida’, ‘Una Noche’ and ‘Amor Divino’, which have all been streamed over 3 million times on Spotify,” Milagros said. Expect romance, rhythm, and heartfelt lyrics all night long.
And then there’s the one and only Yailin La Mas Viral – an unstoppable force in Latin Urban music. “She has become in a very short time the hottest Dembow singer of the moment. Everywhere she goes, it’s a sold-out,” Milagros said. “She is a mother; she is a fighter; she is a dreamer.” Her music – blending reggaeton, trap, and hip-hop – speaks to real-life struggle and resilience, especially for young women. Her breakout hit “Bing Bong”, released in November 2024, racked up 175 million YouTube views and another 75 million Spotify streams. She has paved the way for many upcoming Latin Urban artistes who are looking to make their mark in the industry.
Yailin La Mas Viral is known for her unique style of Latin Urban music. Her lyrics are often inspired by her life experiences and often deal with themes of love, heartbreak, and struggle. Her production is smooth and catchy, with heavy basslines and synths. She currently has 12.4 million followers on Instagram. Need we say more?
The most anticipated moment of the night? “The entrance of Yailin. To hear the people singing along Luis Vargas, I can tell you people are going to sing and not least to see people singing along El Blachy.” And for the first time in Latin Night history, the show will feature Merengue Típico, adding a traditional twist to the night’s flavour.
Noche Latina has been part of the Carnival celebrations for decades. “I would say for over 30 years,” Milagros said. But beyond just the music, it’s a deep reflection of who we are as an island. “It is actually the most important event for the majority of Latinos that reside on both sides of the island and surrounding island,” she said. “Latin Night confirms the diversity of our island. It confirms what we sell all year around – one island shared harmoniously with over 100 different nationalities.”
Putting the show together takes months of effort, passion, and pressure. “A lot of back and forward, stress, happiness and satisfaction when you see people singing along with the artistes,” Milagros explained. “Well, it doesn’t look long, but finding the right artiste and the negotiation, setting the budget is hard and long.” The team listens to the people, selecting performers based on what’s hot or what’s about to be.
While the main acts are international headliners, local DJs are also part of the celebration, bringing home-grown vibes to the mix.
So, what’s new this year? Expect “a lot of giveaways; great music, nice ambience,” Milagros said – and more than anything, inspiration: “Motivation to keep dreaming and work hard for their dreams.” That’s the hope Milagros has for every person attending, especially when they see someone like Yailin: “Everyone has seen her grow and overcome countless difficulties – marriage, physical and verbal abuse – she keeps moving forward.”
Tickets are flying fast and can be found at Oasis Restaurant, Tu y YO Restaurant, La Bomba Snack, Booths 30 & 31 at Carnival Village, RD Barbershop in Sandy Ground, Ria Money Transfer (next to Forum), and Power by Victor in Anguilla.
And if you’ve never been to Noche Latina before, Milagros has one final message:
“It is going to be hot, hot so please come experience it and you will never stop coming again.”
Event is Tuesday April 29th at 8 pm at Festival Village.
