Western New Mexico University is introducing a new annual summer event with Fiesta Latina on Father’s Day weekend.
The three-day event includes mostly free, family-friendly components highlighting the rich colors and traditions of the Latino culture.
Fiesta Latina kicks off Friday, June 16 with an Opening Reception, live music by Baracutanga, and Columbian dancers. Admission is $10 person and begins at 5:00 p.m. in The Gardens and on Light Hall patio on campus.
Saturday, June 17 events begin at 10:00 a.m. with an all day Artisan Mercado in The Gardens, featuring over 20 Mexican-based master artisans specializing in a wide-range of mediums including ceramics, paper mache, weaving, apparel, pottery, and jewelry.
Other Saturday events include a percussion workshop, art activities for children, and several musical performances including mariachi, ballet folklorico, capoeira, and samba.
Tickets are on sale for the Tequila Tasting that will take place on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Light Hall Patio. For a $20 purchase, ticket holders can taste up to 10 small batch, handcrafted tequilas from Jalisco, Mexico. A commemorative, handcrafted Oaxacan shot glass will be available for sale at $10 a piece, or for $5 with a Tequila Tasting ticket.
Saturday’s events conclude with a headline performance by Tobias Rene at 8:00 p.m. in Hunter Hall Plaza. Known as the King of New Mexico Music, admission to Rene’s performance is $15 per person.
All Sunday events will be free to the public. The Artisan Mercado continues for a second day beginning at 10:00 a.m. in The Gardens.
Father Oliver of St. Vincent De Paul church will deliver a blessings ceremony at 12:00 p.m. followed by Ballet Folklorico de San Vicente de la Cienega, elementary students at 1:00 p.m. in The Gardens.
The music continues with a performance by Trio Los Amigos from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., while art activities will be offered from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and a Food Court with several vendors will be open throughout the weekend.
A Huacha tournament will be held on the lawn above Light Hall.
To purchase tickets and to see a full schedule of events, visit fiestalatina.org.