Western New Mexico University's signature event, ¡Fiesta Latina!, provides an opportunity for border communities to engage with our neighbors to the south, through celebration and collaboration. Over this four-day event, folks explore Latin culture, rhythms, flavors, and artisan crafts on the beautiful Western New Mexico University campus set in the mountains of the Southwest. This wonderful family event is now in its fourth year of hosting the Artisan Mercado featuring 40 traditional master artisans who travel to New Mexico, from all across Mexico to sell their crafts.

There are both free and paid events.

Free events include a music stage featuring entertainment throughout the weekend, including Thursday nights free Mariachi Los Camperos concert, Nohe & Sus Santos, an Artisan Mercado, children’s activities, Mariachi Plata, Ballet Folkorico Alfaro, Castro Family Charros, indigenous dance, and more. There will be children’s crafting activities throughout the weekend in the dedicated Children’s Tent and demonstrations by visiting artisans at their booths in the artisan tent. The festival will also offer additional demonstrations and lectures.

Ticketed events include a Friday night dance (June 17) with Cuarenta y Cinco, a group that performs a blend of rancheras, cumbias, balses, boleros, country/western, oldies and modern rock, opening for Darren Cordova Friday night. Saturday’s tequila tasting will offer tastes of 10 fine tequilas and a tequilero handcrafted in Mexico. The headline event on Saturday night, June 18, features Norteño/Tejano music singer Michael Salgado with opener Stevie D.

Food trucks and the Stadium Bar will be open throughout the weekend.

For tickets and more information visit: www.fiestalatina.org