Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
What a great fiesta, the MXLAN festivities, where the most talented people were showcased in different events a few days ago. It was from July 27-30, 2023, when MXLAN took place in the City of McAllen. This 4-day summer art & music festival celebrates young Latino culture, and this year was no different in its sparkle and cultural vibrancy.
Attendees experienced live muralists, the breakthrough music stage, an artisan mercado, culinary festivals, competitions, and more. The atmosphere was electric as the City of McAllen came alive with the sounds, tastes, and sights of Latino culture. The festival serves as an important platform for emerging artists and musicians, providing a space to showcase their talents and connect with audiences who appreciate the rich diversity of Latino heritage.
As part of the festivities, McAllen presented multiple panels, beginning with “Prosperity, Progress, and Economic Development the Latino Way.” This essential discussion aimed to explore the economic growth and opportunities that are shaping the Latino community. Experts from various sectors, including businesspeople, bankers, and real estate professionals, participated in engaging conversations, offering insights, and sharing their success stories.
Duncan Wood, a renowned speaker, and an expert in international affairs was the featured keynote speaker of the day. His insights on global economic trends and their impact on Latino communities were met with enthusiasm and interest.
Spotlight on Sergio Sánchez
The star moderator for the day, Sergio Sanchez, is the program director for 710-AM KURV Radio. A prominent voice in Texas radio, he joined KURV in December 1995 as a news anchor for the Valley’s morning news.
His illustrious career includes numerous awards from the Texas Associated Press broadcasters such as Best reporter, Best News Anchor, Best Investigative Report, and best newscast in 2009, 2011, and 2013. Notably, Sergio won Best Radio Commentary in Texas and was part of the top news anchor team in 2018 for Invest Talk Show in Texas in 2018 and 2019 for the Sergio Show.
Listeners can tune into the KURV Valley’s morning news on weekdays from six to 9:00 AM to hear Sergio’s insights on current events. He also hosts the set show from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays, where he dives deeper into the issues of the day.
The MXLAN festival is more than just a celebration of Latino culture; it’s a unifying event that brings together the diverse talents of the Latino community. The panel discussions, led by the likes of Sergio Sanchez, provide an intellectual backdrop to the festival, inspiring conversations around prosperity, progress, and economic development.
With the harmonious blend of cultural celebration and engaging dialogues on real-world issues, MXLAN is not just a festival; it’s a movement that empowers and uplifts the Latino community. It stands as a testament to the progress that the Latino community has made and the path it continues to carve for the future.As the festivities conclude, the echoes of laughter, music, and intellectual discourse linger in the hearts and minds of those who attended, leaving an indelible mark on the City of McAllen and its thriving community
