ISLAMABAD: Dora the Explorer, the beloved bilingual adventurer with a bob haircut and boundless curiosity, is marking her 25th anniversary—and she’s still cheerfully asking, “Hi, I’m Dora. What’s your name?”
First airing in 2000 on Nickelodeon, Dora made history as the first Latina lead in a major U.S. animated series, paving the way for multicultural programming in children’s television.
A Milestone in Representation
“Dora allowed Latinos to be seen as educators, not just entertainers,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition. “She taught kids not only Spanish but essential life lessons in a culturally inclusive way.”
With her signature blend of English and Spanish, her trusty monkey companion Boots, and interactive storytelling, Dora quickly became a global sensation.
Celebrating 25 Years
To commemorate the milestone, Nickelodeon and Paramount have launched a range of celebratory initiatives:
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A live-action feature film: Dora and the Search of Sol Dorado
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Season 3 of the rebooted Dora animated series
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A new podcast: Dora’s Mermaid Adventures
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A music album, plus new merchandise including toys and apparel
Inclusive, Brave, and Timeless
“Dora celebrates Latin culture through every aspect—language, food, dress, and music,” said Ramsey Naito,
President of Animation at Paramount and Nickelodeon. “But above all, she empowers children to be brave and authentic. She’s inclusive, not exclusive.”
As Dora the Explorer enters her next chapter, she remains a trailblazer for representation, courage, and education in children’s media.
