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 6th year from June 6-9, 2024, 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 50+ 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.

Event Schedule

#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1VIP Market Preview4:30PMArtisan Mercado
2Mariachi Conference showcaseMariachi Plata de WNMU 5:00-7:00PM
3Stadium Bar open5:00-9:30PM
4MusicSon Rompe Pera 8:00PM Fountain Stage at Regents Square
#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1Mercado open 2 - 8 PM Artisan tent
2Stadium Bar open6:30-9:30PM
3FilmTranscending Borders Film & Discussion – La Laguna 6:00PM Light Hall Auditorium
4MusicMariachi Plata de WNMU 7:00PM Fountain Stage at Regents Square
5MusicMariachi Estrella de Mexico 8:00PM Fountain Stage at Regents Square
#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1Mercado open 10 AM -8 PM Artisan tent
2EntertainmentSC Museum- make and take 12-4:00PM Childrens tent
3Stadium Bar open 2-6:30 PM and 7:00-10:30 PMArtisan tent
4Artisan demonstrationTaller Familiar Guadalupe 11:00-12:30 PMPool patio
5Dance Kaltonaka Dance Group (Chichimeca Mexica Azteca) 12:30 pm Regents Square
6Fashion showFashion Show 2:00-3:00 PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
7FilmMarta Turok/ Popular Art Design in Mexico: “Esto Somos” (“This is Us”) 3:15-4:30 PMLight Hall Auditorium
8Artisan demonstrationEsteban Silva Galvan 3:30PM Pool patio
9Tequila tasting Tequila Tasting 4:00 -6:30 PM Pool patio
10MusicConjunto Mapeye 4:30-6:30 PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
11MusicLos Chamacos 7:00-8:45 PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
12MusicKumbia Kings 9:00-10:30 PMFountain Stage at Regents Square
#SessionSpeaker(s)TimeVenue
1Mercado open10-3 PMArtisan tent
2FilmMarta Turok/ Popular Art Design in Mexico: “Esto Somos” (“This is Us”) 11:30AM Light Hall Auditorioum
3Artisan demonstrationArtisan Demonstration make and take Jorge Cristales – Alebrijes 11:00 AM - 12:30 PMPool patio
4DanceFolklorico Encanto and Alfaro 11:30AM-1PM Regents Square
5EntertainmentSC Museum- make and take 12-3PMChildren tent
6MusicGrupo Bella 1-2:30 PMRegents Square

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