From public transport to iconic landmarks and the media: the region celebrates World Food Day 2026

Illuminated iconic buildings, screens across public transport systems, airports and shopping centres, along with radio and television broadcasts, will raise the visibility of World Food Day 2026 throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

The planned activities, coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its partners, aim to broaden the reach of the 16 October observance and encourage public reflection on innovation, food and the transformation of agrifood systems.

In Colombia, the campaign will reach some of the country's busiest urban spaces and public transport systems. The main screen at Bogotá's Movistar Arena will display World Food Day content from 25 September to 18 October, in collaboration with Movistar Arena Colombia. In Medellín, campaign posters will be displayed at 102 Metro stations, while audiovisual materials will also be shown on screens throughout the transport system during October. Content is also scheduled to be displayed on a screen at one of Bogotá's Centros Felicidad (CEFE) from 12 to 18 October.

On 16 October, Peru will illuminate several iconic landmarks in Lima in blue, including the Torre Tagle Palace, Huaca Pucllana, the Metropolitan Museum of Lima, central Miraflores and the Villena Bridge.

In Bolivia, the official video will be shown on 16 October on institutional screens at the Ministry of Sustainable Production, Environment and Water and on digital screens at the Telecommunications Palace. In addition, restaurants operated by the Manq'a schools will distribute information materials to visitors, with support from the Manq'a schools and Conexión.

In Panama, FAO, together with the Government of Panama and Tocumen International Airport, inaugurated a commemorative exhibition on 1 September at the country's main airport, a major regional aviation hub. The exhibition was inaugurated by FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, René Orellana Halkyer.

In the Dominican Republic, the World Food Day audiovisual spot will be displayed from 11 to 17 October on screens at Las Américas International Airport and the Santo Domingo Metro. The airport initiative is supported by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI.

In Barbados, the institutional video will have a prominent presence throughout October. Republic Bank will display it on a large-format screen, while Sheraton Mall, W Shopping Mall, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Sky Mall, Popular Supermarket and Cheapside Market will show it during the week leading up to 16 October. The campaign will also reach the digital platforms and premises of Buzo Italian Restaurant and Duty Free Caribbean, as well as Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Television and radio extend the campaign's regional reach

The Association of Ibero-American Educational and Cultural Television Networks (ATEI) will support the dissemination of World Food Day content through television channels and radio stations in several countries.

In Costa Rica, the video will be broadcast on Canal 13, Radio Nacional, Canal Quince of the University of Costa Rica and TV Norte Canal 14. In Ecuador, participating broadcasters will include Canal Ecuador, the University Radio and Television Service of the Technical University of the North, and Canal 13, while Pública FM will broadcast the radio spot. In El Salvador, the campaign will be featured on Radio Luz, Radio Ágape and Ágape TV Canal 8.

In Colombia, content will be broadcast by Televisión Regional del Oriente, Telecafé, Canal Trece and Canal ZOOM. In Guatemala, TV USAC, operated by the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, will participate. In Mexico, participating broadcasters will include UDGTV Canal 44, the Zacatecas Radio and Television System, UAATV and TVCUATRO. Panama's State Radio and Television System will also take part.

Through additional partnerships, Barbados will host live radio broadcasts featuring FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, including appearances on SLAM FM and a special three-hour programme.

Uruguay, meanwhile, has established partnerships with public and private institutions to broadcast the campaign's audiovisual and radio materials throughout October. These will be displayed on screens installed on buses and along one of the country's main avenues, as well as through public television and radio channels. Partners include the National Audiovisual Communication Service, Reimpulso and the National Directorate of Official Printing and Publications.

In Jamaica, the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) will broadcast the message from the FAO Director-General and the World Food Day audiovisual spot.

José Totoy brings the message to children and families

Brazil will carry out one of the central activities of the regional campaign. José Totoy, known as “the Big Eater”, a children's animated character created by Totoy Corp, will serve as the World Food Day spokesperson in the country and has been designated by FAO as a “Food Hero” and “FAO Champion”.

Totoy Corp, in collaboration with the participating organizations, has produced a special episode dedicated to World Food Day 2026, which will premiere on 16 October on the character's YouTube channel and the digital platforms of partner organizations. The content will also be available in English and Spanish for international dissemination.

The initiative brings together FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Using simple and playful language, the campaign aims to engage children and families with messages about healthy eating and the importance of innovation in achieving more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.

From 16 to 30 October, the official video will also be displayed on LED screens on the façade of the CONIC commercial and cultural complex in Brasília. The campaign will also appear on digital screens in Brasília, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Campinas, as well as at airports and other urban locations, with support from JCDecaux.

A special screening is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on 16 October on the large screens covering the CONIC façade, visible from the Esplanade of Ministries. This initiative is supported by Mosaico/weOOH and Visualplac.

The regional activities invite governments, organizations, businesses, communities and families to contribute to a future with better food and nutrition for all, bringing the message “Innovate today to nourish tomorrow” closer to people across Latin America and the Caribbean.