Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
McAllen, TX — With heartfelt words and a hopeful message, District 4 Commissioner Rudy Castillo officially opened the City of McAllen’s press conference on Wednesday morning to announce MXLAN 2025, the city’s signature cultural arts festival returning May 9–12, 2025, under the theme: “Our Roots.”
The event, hosted at the McAllen Convention Center, gathered city leaders, corporate sponsors, media partners, and community stakeholders to preview what is expected to be the most impactful MXLAN yet—a celebration that Commissioner Castillo described as “a platform where our youth, the next generation of creators and leaders, can be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Celebrating Culture, Honoring the Past. In his opening remarks, Commissioner Castillo emphasized the importance of uplifting the voices of young Latinos through art, innovation, and cultural expression. “This festival empowers young people by showing them that their story and culture matter,” Castillo said. “When we believe in our youth, we all grow stronger.”
Castillo also highlighted how MXLAN 2025 will honor Latin American artists who create with vibrant colors and textures inspired by the stunning sunsets of the Rio Grande Valley, further rooting the festival in the region’s landscape and soul.
‘Our Roots’: A Vision for the Future. The theme “Our Roots” was introduced by Sochitl Mora, Director of Communications for the City of McAllen and the event’s master of ceremonies. Mora described the theme as a tribute to the past, a grounding in the present, and a vision for the future—centered around the Latino community’s stories, creativity, and resilience.
“MXLAN 2025 is more than a festival,” Mora said. “It’s where the vibrant spirit of McAllen shines brightest, led by a rising generation of Latino artists, innovators, and dreamers.”
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, representatives from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, CEO Elizabeth Suarez, and corporate partners also attended, emphasizing the festival’s community effort.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our entire community,” Mora noted. “Together, we inspire the next generation by celebrating exactly who we are.”
As one of the few festivals in the nation explicitly dedicated to young Latino culture, MXLAN 2025 will feature music, art installations, culinary showcases, and a range of experiences designed to foster connection, creativity, and cultural pride.
With strong city leadership, passionate community involvement, and a bold vision, MXLAN 2025 is set to be a landmark celebration of identity, heritage, and future promise.
Save the Date: MXLAN 2025 takes place May 9–12, 2025, in McAllen, Texas.
For updates and schedules, visit: https://mxlan.com
