City of Edinburg to celebrate art, wellness at FridaFest
The City of Edinburg invites the community to mark their calendars for July 27, as downtown Edinburg comes alive with the vibrant art and wellness extravaganza, FridaFest.
Set against the backdrop of the city’s new Arts, Culture, and Events Center (A.C.E.), FridaFest celebrates women's empowerment and honors the legacy of Frida Kahlo while embracing themes of healing, belonging and the rich tapestry of Edinburg's cultural scene. The festivities will take place from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
This year's FridaFest is themed around art and wellness, marking the culmination of Edinburg's participation in the Arts for Every Body Initiative. Edinburg was one of 18 cities nationwide selected to improve community health and wellness through the arts. On July 27, all 18 cities will join in an evening of celebration, premiering large-scale participatory art projects inspired by the theme 'No place like home.'
The excitement kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the premiere of the original musical ¡Despierta! at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, starring 75 community members. Following the musical, the community is invited to the FridaFest Artist Exhibit Reception in the Edinburg City Hall lobby, showcasing a collection of artworks by talented local female artists.
The FridaFest outdoor grounds, including the Edinburg City Hall Courtyard, the City Hall Lobby, and the East McIntyre Promenade, will be filled with inspiring art, live art demonstrations, health and wellness partners, local performers, Frida-inspired models, mariachi and folkloric performances, fun photo ops, kiddie rides, and a children's activity area.
An electrifying musical experience will take place featuring Ache de Barrio, the Valley’s premier party band known for its high-energy performances. Headlining the event is the dynamic group Jenny & the Mexicats. This innovative band masterfully blends flamenco, jazz, folk, and cumbia, delivering captivating songs in both English and Spanish. Attendees can look forward to a night of unforgettable music and vibrant rhythms.
FridaFest will once again host the annual Frida Look-A-Like Contest, open to children, teens, and adults.
For more information, contest details, and registration, please visit edinburgarts. com/fridafest.
The festival also features a chalk art competition. Artists interested in competing can register at edinburgarts. com/ fridafest. Participants will be allocated a 5' by 5' space to showcase their skills, with the top three winners receiving cash prizes: $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place. The proposed art should celebrate women and be Frida-inspired.
Returning this year is the FridaRiders Caravan in partnership with the South Texas Motorcycle Museum. Female riders can register for free at edinburgarts.com/ fridafest. The best-dressed Frida Rider will be selected as people's choice in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The MotoShow will line up at FridaFest, where attendees can take pictures with the bikes and riders.
Story Courtesy
City of Edinburg