Annual UTRGV festival showcases student and faculty talent, offering a variety of community activities
By UTRGV News and Media Relations
EDINBURG, TEXAS – FEB. 19, 2025 – Join The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in celebrating creativity at the annual Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA) from Feb. 20 to March 2, where art, literature and music come together.
This year’s theme, “Life Tapestry: Art and Words,” highlights the vivid imagery and sensory details that poets and musicians use to engage their audiences. Established in 2006, FESTIBA promotes literacy, culture and the arts among students, parents, educators and the community throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Key events include:
Distinguished Artist Series: Featuring 2024 Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston. Date: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Liberal Arts Building, Room 107
Edinburg Book Festival – Celebrating Community Voices: A family-friendly event with free book giveaways. Date: Friday, Feb. 21, 6-8:30 p.m. Location: Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library, 1906 S. Closner Blvd.
South Texas Literacy Symposium: A free professional development conference for educators and literacy professionals, featuring the 2024 Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston as a keynote speaker. Date: Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Ballroom
UTRGV Gear Up Day: Hundreds of Gear Up students will explore campus life and attend seminars on creativity, literacy skills and college readiness. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg
FESTIBA Mariachi Festival: Renowned mariachi musicians will conduct workshops, and competitions, showcasing the best mariachi programs in Texas. Date: Friday, Feb. 28, to Saturday, March 1 Location: UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg.
Newly appointed UTRGV Arts Director Richard Burrows emphasized the importance of showcasing local talent, including UTRGV students and faculty, at FESTIBA.
“Most of the FESTIBA presentations come from faculty and student groups, demonstrating their highest caliber of work,” Burrows said. “It’s a great thing to share with the community.”
Throughout the festival, UTRGV faculty will showcase their expertise and talents in workshops and presentations covering literature, music, art and poetry, providing valuable insights into their fields.
The talents of UTRGV’s students and faculty will also be showcased during several School of Music presentations, including the UTRGV Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “Wild, Wild West!” This show pays homage to Billy the Kid, featuring songs that depict the adventures of the American cowboy. It will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg.
“We present high-quality work which reflects who our community is and showcase what South Texas has to offer,” Burrows added.
The festival aims to inspire youth through the fine arts with more than 300 Gear Up students from across the Ro Grande Valley expected to attend on Wednesday, Feb. 26, many experiencing campus life for the first time and seeing the arts in action.
“Seeing other young people perform or discuss poetry can be an eye-opener for many,” Burrows said.
For a schedule of events or more information on FESTIBA, visit www.utrgv.edu/festiba