On March 22, 2025, Conectate Foundation, in collaboration with Isabella & Ferdinand Spanish Academy, proudly hosted the launch of our cultural initiative, País Invitado, at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington, D.C. The first edition of this ongoing project featured the vibrant and heartfelt traditions of Bolivia, and we are overjoyed to say that it was a beautiful and powerful event that impacted countless lives.
A Day to Remember: Culture, Community & Connection
With over 100 attendees, our País Invitado: Bolivia celebration was a huge success. Guests of all backgrounds joined us to experience the richness of Bolivian culture, from live music and traditional dances to authentic food tastings and a vibrant artisan marketplace. Families enjoyed the event, and many shared how grateful they were to discover the deep-rooted traditions of Bolivia in such an engaging and meaningful way.
Children were especially captivated. Through interactive cultural presentations, hands-on art activities, and storytelling, they not only had fun, but also learned to appreciate cultural diversity, respect traditions, and broaden their worldview. Parents told us how moved they were by the joy in their children’s eyes and how this event sparked new conversations about culture and identity at home.
Preserving Traditions, Promoting Openness
The País Invitado project is more than just a celebration—it’s a mission to preserve ancestral traditions and promote education through cultural immersion. In a world that moves quickly, traditions can be lost. But events like this help remind us of the value of our heritage and the importance of keeping it alive.
By celebrating Bolivia, we gave our local families the chance to experience something deeply meaningful. We hope to continue fostering openness, curiosity, and appreciation for other cultures, planting seeds of empathy and understanding in our children and communities. These experiences help build stronger, more compassionate neighborhoods and nurture a generation of learners who see the world with open minds and open hearts.
Honoring Heritage in the Land of Opportunity
For our international families, País Invitado offers something profoundly personal: a chance to reconnect with their roots. This project brings a piece of home to the United States—a country that represents freedom, diversity, and shared opportunity. Our goal is to make these families feel seen, honored, and celebrated.
We believe that cultural expression is a blessing. It builds bridges between people, fosters connection, and reminds us that while we may come from different places, we are united by our shared humanity.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Be the Next “País Invitado”?
The response to País Invitado: Bolivia has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees are already asking: “What country is next?” They want to stay informed, be part of the journey, and continue celebrating cultures from around the Spanish-speaking world.
And that’s exactly what we plan to do. Each year, we will highlight a new country, bringing its stories, flavors, music, and traditions to life. Whether it’s Peru, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, or Spain, our goal is to help communities connect, learn, and grow.
Join the Movement
País Invitado is a celebration of diversity, education, and the beauty of global heritage. It’s about giving our children the tools to understand and appreciate the world around them—and about giving international families a voice, a platform, and a place where their culture is embraced.
If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry—we have many more in store. Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and become part of this growing movement that is helping build bridges through culture, one country at a time.