Our friend, Rafael, returns this week to talk to us about his homeland and its culture. As he explains, the Mayan culture continues to thrive in Guatemala via its language, clothing, and customs.

Federico Kauffman Doig began his career at the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera as a security guard. Today he is president of that institution and one of the world’s most respected archeologists, as well as a delightful and engaging speaker! This program originally appeared on Televisión Nacional del Perú as part of the esteemed artistic series, Presencia Cultural.

Federico was something of a wanderer in his early days, and describes himself as having been a “pre-hippy.” His father, intent that his son be something other than a vagabundo, probed Federico for any hint of passion, any calling. “It’s called archeology!” he yelled upon hearing that the young man enjoyed exploring ancient ruins.

In Guatemala, people of Mayan descent not only retain various native forms of dress, but they also speak dialects of the Mayan language, a language many people wrongly presume to be long lost to history. Rafael treats us to some examples of words and phrases in this language, and also explains some of the particulars of traditional dress.

Most English speakers have at some time in their lives heard Donovan sing “The Hurdy Gurdy Man,” but how many knew what such a man did? The woman in this video talks about a musical family that used to play the sinfonía, and indeed this is the Spanish name for the hand-crank organ known as a “hurdy gurdy.”

There’s more to Miami than postcard-perfect beaches and pink drinks. These days, the city is a great melting pot – especially for Latin American and other Spanish-speaking folks – and there’s a thriving arts scene. As Antonio sees it, the annual art fair called Art Basel is the place to appreciate Miami’s great international flavor.

In this Yabla exclusive, we learn how to make “Papa a la Huancaína,” a classic Peruvian dish that’s spicy and creamy and great for the summer. Enjoy!

Willy learned to play guitar mostly by himself, but he soon discovered the importance of having people to share his passion with. Then he talks about how New York changed his musical tastes.

Colombian musician, Willy, continues to explain to us about his creative process as well as what music means to him.

Native Colombians speak about the importance of taking pride in their traditional music as well as its influences as they look forward to celebrating it at a festival.

Colombians at the Mono Núñez Festival in Cali talk about their objectives for attending it, among them the importance of preserving traditional Colombian rhythms in a period in which their mainstream popularity is waning.

Festivaliando continues its behind-the-scenes peek at the music, performers and attendees of the famed Mono Núñez Festival in Ginebra, Valle de Cauca, Colombia.

Mario learns that diversity at the Mono Núñez Festival extends beyond the various Colombian musicians, as English people seem to enjoy Andean music as much as Colombians do!

Singing in Nasa Yuwe, their native language, is one way in which Colombia's indigenous Nasa population strives to preserve and make more visible their language, culture and customs.

At Colombia's Mono Núñez music festival, native Colombians and foreigners alike share their deep love for traditional Colombian music.