Family-friendly festival offers a weekend full of events celebrating Latin culture

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) will once again host Fiesta Latina, WNMU’s signature event offering people the chance to explore Latin culture, rhythms, flavors and artisan crafts. Held on the campus of WNMU, this three-day festival features the Artisan Mercado where attendees can view the creations of 40 traditional master artisans who travel to Silver City from Mexico. The 2020 event will highlight artists from Michoacán. The headline show Saturday night features a tequila tasting and Elida and Lucky Joe live in concert.

Artists for the Mercado are chosen through a juried selection process.

• Art must be completely handmade by the artist;
• The use of multi-generational traditions is mandatory;
• The use of “natural” pigments/materials is mandatory;
• Overall quality.

In addition, there is a section dedicated to contemporary work created with traditional practices. The artists will display a variety of work including textiles, jewelry, pottery, bead work, and copper.

Free events during Fiesta Latina include live music on stage kicking off with Northern New Mexico’s Cuarenta y Cinco playing a free Friday night opening concert. Other acts throughout the weekend include Ballet Folklorico Alfaro from El Paso, Mariachi Plata, Paseo del Norte Folklorico dancers, Sonido Cachimbo from Juarez, plus more acts to be announced.

Light Hall Theater will be home to the Transcending Borders Film/Discussion series featuring documentaries on traditional Mexican crafts and techniques interspersed with discussions hosted by visiting artisans.

The Castro Family from Las Cruces will offer a Charro performance on Sunday afternoon.

Attendees will also find a dedicated tent for children’s crafting activities and artisans demonstrating their traditional crafts at their booths throughout the event.

To complement the event, Mexican food trucks will be offering a variety of fare. The Stadium Bar will also be open throughout the weekend.

For more information on all there is to see and do in Silver City, or to plan your visit, go to www.visitsilvercity.org. For tickets and more information on Fiesta Latina, visit http://fiestalatina.org

Make a sweet getaway to Silver City for its annual event that celebrates all things chocolate.

Chocolate Fantasia has more than 25 local businesses participating in the event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. There will be plenty of chocolate concoctions to choose from and eventgoers can pick 20 of their favorites from participating restaurants, art galleries, gift shops and other retailers as well as the Murray Hotel. Tickets and a map of participating locations can be picked up at the Family Karate Center, which will serve as the event headquarters.

Read the rest at the Albuquerque Journal