Transcending borders
WNMU festival in Silver City celebrates Latin culture
Exploring new cultures and ancient traditions is the impetus behind Western New Mexico University’s ¡Fiesta Latina! event, beginning on Friday, June 22, in Silver City.
The mostly free event unites people and celebrates Latin culture through traditional activities, children’s workshops, music and dance performances, a tequila tasting and, this year, for the first time, a film and discussion series, designed to give attendees a more in-depth understanding of the artisan process.
“¡Fiesta Latina! gives people opportunities to explore new cultures and discover the beauty of ancient handcraft trades,” says Faye McCalmont, WNMU assistant to the president for cultural affairs.
McCalmont says Darren Cordova y Calor will headline the event.
National Heritage Fellow Eva Ybarra, who is known as La Reina del Acordeón (The Queen of the Accordion), will also be part of the festivities.
¡Fiesta Latina! also provides Latino master artisans an opportunity to share their cultures and goods with those of us north of the border.
The Artisan Mercado will feature representatives from rural women’s cooperatives and artists working to preserve ancient traditions, methods and materials.
“There will be more than 40 artisans at the event,” McCalmont says. “It’s about building a community, while also learning. We don’t get to see a lot of this type of art and actually have the artists here. The event has grown a lot since last year.”
Also on tap for the festival is “Transcending Borders,” a five-part documentary film discussion series, featuring the stories behind the art of four world-renowned Mexican folk artists and a photographer-storyteller from Oaxaca.
In each session, these master folk artists will show films to illustrate the many aspects of their traditional art forms, then engage their audiences in a discussion period, with an experienced translator to ensure effective communication.
“The film series adds to what we are trying to accomplish with the festival,” she says. “The films give an in-depth look at some of the artisans.”