Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Luis Eduardo Cantu has his hands full as he is preparing for the upcoming MXLAN event July 27-31 at the McAllen Convention Center complex including the Convention Center, Oval Park, and the McAllen Performing Arts Center. He is the Vice President for International Business and Community Development for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
Luis told Texas Border Business that the entire McAllen Chamber team is committed to the event.
He also recognized the valuable collaboration and support of the City of McAllen, which makes MXLAN possible.
“We are also very thankful for the support of our *Glyph sponsors: City of McAllen, McAllen International Airport, Reliant Energy, Boggus Ford, South Texas Health Systems, South Texas College, H-E-B, Tecate, Alta & Ruby Red Hospitality (Creator in Motion – Sponsor).
According to Luis, MXLAN was created from the need to attract tourists during the summer season, which traditionally has been the slow time of the year for McAllen hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses.
“Due to the need, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce board of directors established a new summer destination festival.” He continued, “Based on the success that events like Vibrant Heritage Artisan Expo and Taste McAllen had in the previous year, and a successful performance by La Guelaguetza dancers in 2017, it was decided on a festival that combined those events as the MXLAN.”
It is important to note that in 2019, MXLAN attracted 81,000 visitors. This year, it is expected that there will be approximately 125,000 attendees.
Blanca Cardenas, interim President of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, had this to say, “It’s a great family event that celebrates our Latin culture.”
The preparation and harmonization of MXLAN is a monumental task. The Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen perform an extraordinary job, which involves the delicate synchronization of multiple entities and hundreds of people working to entertain residents of the area.
Luis pointed out the external collaboration that helps bring these key events to the festival. Those involved are Tiger’s Blood which oversees hiring the talent for the MXLAN Breakthrough Stage, Marcos Silva, who is the curator for South Texas Ideas Festival@ MXLAN, and Chef Larry Delgado who curates Sabor a Mexico & Mezcal, Tequila & Catrinas, to name a few.
The participation of Mexico is essential. He said that MXLAN 2022 would have Mexico’s multiple flavors, “from business owners attending the Mexican Investors conference at MXLAN or featured renown muralists like Irving Cano and Paola Delfin painting 20’x20′ murals at MXLAN.” He added, “There will be Folkloric dancers, artisan exhibitors, and tourism promotion booths by Mexican destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, the State of Nuevo Leon, and more.”
For those as curious as me, MXLAN’s name is the mix of two words, Mexico and Aztlan, which is the ancestral home of the Aztecs; it is very appropriate for the celebration.
The next question, how much are the tickets? “Admission to the event is free on Wednesday, July 27, all day and from July 28 – 31, admission is free from 10 AM to 5 PM and $5 after 5 PM per person.
See you there!
