MXLAN

These are our roots. We are the flowers.

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

You can feel the beat pulsating beneath the surface, an energy growing stronger and stronger. Ready to unleash its power for all to feel, to hear, to experience. Voices longing to be heard, colors to be seen, flavors to be tasted.

This is MXLAN. Be ready to ignite your spirit of adventure.

MXLAN, pronounced “Mex-Lan,” is the coming together of McAllen, Mexico, and Aztlan (the magical, mystical homeland of the Aztecs). The five-day summer music and arts festival, starting July 27, celebrates young Latino influence on popular culture. Made possible through the collaboration of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the City of McAllen, and close partnerships with local and regional businesses, MXLAN is where young and rising artists, thought leaders, and revelers reconnect with pre-colonial traditions while expressing their own vision of an ever-evolving culture.

“This festival gives our youth a place to be heard and a place to be seen. It’s a moment for the entire region to come together and be proud of its community. The festival welcomes everyone from the region, U.S., and beyond to be part of this moment,” said Luis Cantu, Vice President of McAllen Chamber of Commerce.

MXLAN starts Wednesday, July 27, and runs through Sunday, July 31. Entry is free before 5 P.M. and $5 after 5 P.M. There is an additional fee for some premium events.

MERCADO & OPEN CALENDA STREET PARADES

Set your spirit free and feel the coming together of people, young and old. Visit the mercado filled with artisan crafts every day from 10 A.M. - 10 P.M. with open calenda street parades and dancing.

MIND & BODY

There’s more to MXLAN than music, art, and food. Grab your running shoes and join the Neon Night’s 5k on July 27, or make a bold opening move at the Mind Games International Chess Tournament Friday through Sunday. Friday also hosts the youth-led South Texas Ideas Festival

ART

Experience the colors and textures of MXLAN. Creator in Motion art exhibition features a live 20 ft x 20 ft mural creation by Paola Delfin and Irving Cano, while La Communidad invites local artists to come together to paint, sculpt, or show photos.

MUSIC

Feel the beat with performances by local and national rising young Latino talent from many different Latin roots— Mexican, Chilean, Dominican, and others. Notable artists include Ambar Lucid, Inner Wave, Kat and Alex, and Mon Laferte. MXLAN provides a space for their voices to be heard - loud and proud.

CUISINE

No festival would be complete without flavor. From Sabor a Mexico Food Festival, Mezcal, Tequila & Catrina’s, to Return the Fire Chefs Table, make sure you take in all of the delicacies of MXLAN.

Photography by Cliff Ranson