Texas Border Business
Originally known as PalmFest, the early-fall festival event was held as a celebration of the cultures of McAllen. Starting this September, the City of McAllen and the Mexican Consulate of McAllen will present Fiesta de Palmas, an international cultural celebration which features the Asian, European, Middle Eastern and Latin American cultural influences, including highlighting the regional Mexican and other historical roots of the area, with live music and entertainment, food and activities.
“McAllen is truly an international city and the Fiesta de Palmas celebration is a perfect blend of recognizing the various cultural and historical contributions of all of the original founders of the city,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “Additionally, the partnership with the Mexican Consulate of McAllen will be a great acknowledgment of the cultural, historical, familial, economic, regional, and business ties that McAllen has with Mexico.”
Fiesta de Palmas will take place September 22-23, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center and will feature the ever-famous Grito celebration, the traditional event that celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day.
“I am proud to collaborate with the City of McAllen on this beautiful cultural celebration of the Fiesta de Palmas that recognizes the cultural impact of both the U.S. and Mexico in this region, as well as recognizing the many cultures that are also part of the great city of McAllen,” said Eduardo Bernal, Consul General of Mexico.
This fun-filled event is family friendly and, thanks to the many sponsors and media partners, features free admission before 5:00 p.m. and only $5 for anyone aged 12 and up afterward.
This weekend-long event will include live music from local and international acts, vibrant dance performances, a variety of international cuisine, and an eclectic array of cultural activities for guests to participate in.
Attendees to Fiesta de Palmas will enjoy different stages and booths to experience all the festival has to offer. There will be a wide variety of delicious, authentic foods and shopping from vendors offering international delights and souvenirs for guests to enjoy throughout both days.
PalmFest Gets New Name, New Date, and New Partners/page 2 of 2
Entertainment on Sunday will include Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte with a special appearance by Christopher Ayala and Ramon Ayala Jr.; La Sonora Arrasadora; and Los Cadetes de Linares de Rosendo Cantu and Estruendo. Additionally, enjoy the musical presentation of Uptown Funk, a Bruno Mars tribute band.
Also new this year will be the inclusion of the Budweiser Texas Bike Fest, kicking off on the evening of Friday, September 21 night with a Tacos & Tequila celebration. The next morning, motorcyclists will participate in a ride to Progresso, returning for a Poker Run and other activities and culminating with a rock band that night. The cost to participate in the entire package of bike events is only $25. For more information, visit www.texasbikefest.com.
Ayala, is a Mexican musician, composer, and songwriter of Norteño and Conjunto music. Known as the “King of the Accordion,” Ayala has recorded over 113 albums for which he has received four Grammy Awards. Additionally, Ayala has been featured in 13 movies. A legend of norteño music, Ayala is one of the most recognized and best-selling artists of this genre of Mexican music, breaking many sales records along the way.
Additionally, on that same Sunday, as a special presentation performing at the McAllen Performing Arts Center for a special price will be the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez, the premier Mexican folkloric dance group. Founded in 1952 by dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico conveys the music, dance, and attire of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era. With its permanent home at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of Mexico City’s most prestigious venues, the Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez is composed of over 75 folk dancers who have performed in over 80 countries.
Performances and other entertainment activities are still being added and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
