Francisca Valenzuela Ruidosas Panel

The opening of Ruidosa Fest 2025 at Lincoln Center set the tone for a night dedicated to amplifying Latinx creativity, diversity, and empowerment. Festival founder Francisca Valenzuela welcomed the audience, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive spaces in the music industry.

As part of the program, the panel “Who Holds the Mic” brought together artists, producers, and cultural leaders to reflect on who gets to tell stories, who controls the narrative, and how power dynamics shape the music industry. The discussion addressed representation, access, and the collective work needed to break barriers for underrepresented voices.

These photographs document both the vibrant energy of the festival’s opening moments and the insightful exchange of the panel, capturing the intersection of artistry, activism, and community that defines Ruidosa Fest.