Western New Mexico University acknowledges the deep roots New Mexico shares with Mexico. The territory of New Mexico gained statehood in 1912, yet the people living in the border regions and beyond continue to be influenced by these roots in all aspects of culture– art, food, music, language, and customs. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, Western New Mexico University and WNMU ¡Fiesta Latina! aim to highlight those connections by creating fun, engaging, educational experiences for folks living in or visiting the borderlands to enjoy.

WNMU ¡Fiesta Latina! is a cultural event organized by Western New Mexico University that seeks to recognize, celebrate, and assist in the preservation of New Mexico’s connection with its Mexican heritage, customs, and traditions. The four-day outdoor festival on the beautiful Silver City campus features a juried artisan mercado featuring the traditional folk art of more than 50 artisans from throughout Mexico, Latin music and dance performances, food and drink, children’s activities, hands on crafting workshops, films, demonstrations and more.

WNMU ¡Fiesta Latina! will be returning for its 7th year from June 5-8, 2025, to the Silver City campus of Western New Mexico University. Silver City is just 80 miles north of the U.S./Mexico Border, nestled in the beautiful mountains of the desert Southwest. The centerpiece of this multifaceted event is the juried artisan market, featuring 40 handcraft artisans from throughout Mexico. There is also music and dance, films, a fashion show, food vendors from around the region, a tequila tasting, and children’s activities.

2025 Event Schedule

#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1VIP Market Preview4:00PMArtisan Tent
2Stadium Bar Open4:00 - 9:30PM
3Mariachi Conference ShowcaseMariachi Plata de WNMU 5:00 - 7:00PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
4Welcome Dinner5:00PMPool Patio
5MusicMaruja Limón 8:00PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1Mercado Open 2:00 - 8:00PM Artisan Tent
2Stadium Bar Open2:00-9:30PM Pool Patio
3FilmVoces de Latinidad 6:00PM Light Hall Auditorium
4MusicMariachi Plata de WNMU 7:00PM Fountain Stage at Regents Square
5MusicMariachi Estrella de México 8:00PM Fountain Stage at Regents Square
#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1Mercado Open 10:00AM - 8:00PM Artisan Tent
2Artisan Workshop11:00AM - 12:30PMPool Patio
3Children's ActivitiesSC Museum- make and take 12:00 - 4:00PMChildrens Tent
4Music and DanceDanza Azteca Unión y Conquista 12:30PMRegents Square
5Stadium Bar Open 1:00 - 6:30PM and 7:00 - 10:30PMPool Patio
6Fashion ShowFashion Show 2:00 - 3:00PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
7FilmVoces de Latinidad 3:15 - 4:30PMLight Hall Auditorium
8Artisan Workshop: Mask-MakingFelipe de Jesus Horta Tera 3:15PM Pool Patio
9Tequila Tasting 4:00 - 6:00PM Pool Patio
10MusicLas Cafeteras 4:00 - 6:00PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
11MusicLos Texmaniacs 7:00 - 8:30PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
12MusicK-Paz de la Sierra 9:00 - 10:30PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1Mercado Open10:00AM - 3:00PMArtisan Tent
2Artisan Demonstration Artemali Ocoxal 11:00AM - 12:30PM Pool Patio
3Children's ActivitiesSC Museum- make and take 11:30 - 2:30PMChildren Tent
4MusicCharros – Traditional Mexican Trick-Roping 12:30 - 2:00PMRegents Square

Our Major Event Sponsors

See who makes this event possible!

[/vc_row_inner]

Our Artisan Sponsors

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Receive our monthly reminder of upcoming Events, Performances, and Lectures on the WNMU Campus.