On October 6, 2025, New York City’s skyline glowed red as the Empire State Building honored Colombian singer Silvestre Dangond and the cultural movement known as Silvestrismo. The tribute took place during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating Latino pride and cultural contributions.
A Historic First at the Empire State Building
The event also marked a milestone for the landmark. For the first time, the Empire State Building hosted a fan meet‑and‑greet. Dangond, a three‑time Latin GRAMMY® Award winner, headlined the gathering and greeted fans. He has become one of the most influential voices in vallenato music. This year, he is nominated for the 2025 Latin GRAMMY® Awards in the category of “Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album” for El Último Baile. The album also inspired his sold‑out tour across Colombia, which continues to showcase his role as a cultural ambassador.
After the lighting, Dangond toured the Observatory Experience. Tripadvisor named it the world’s #1 attraction in the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards. From the 86th and 102nd floors, he posed for photos above a city glowing in Silvestrista red. Reflecting on the moment, he said: “I’m honored and overjoyed to see Silvestrista red shining in such an important city like New York. I’m proud to carry my flag across the globe and deeply grateful for this recognition — not only for vallenato, but for my country, Colombia, and for Latinos all over the world.”
Celebrating Latin Music and Heritage
The celebration also highlighted the global rise of Latin music. Each year, thousands of Hispanic visitors come to the Empire State Building. This event reinforced its role as a cultural landmark. It also showed how music crosses borders, uniting people through shared traditions and pride.
In the end, the Empire State Building’s tribute to Silvestre Dangond was more than a light show. It honored Latin identity, recognized vallenato’s global reach, and reminded the world of music’s power to connect cultures. As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, this moment stands as a vivid example of how art and heritage shine together.
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