Edinburg to Host Annual FridaFest Celebrating Art and Wellness
Arnoldo Mata
EDINBURG, Texas – The City of Edinburg will host its annual FridaFest on July 27, transforming downtown Edinburg into a vibrant celebration of art and wellness. The event, held from 5:30 to 11 p.m., will take place at the new Arts, Culture, and Events Center (A.C.E.) and will honor the legacy of Frida Kahlo while highlighting themes of healing, belonging, and cultural richness.
This year’s FridaFest coincides with Edinburg’s involvement in the Arts for Every Body Initiative, a national program aimed at enhancing community health and wellness through the arts. Edinburg, one of 18 cities selected nationwide, will join in a collective celebration, showcasing large-scale participatory art projects inspired by the theme “No place like home.”
Festivities will commence at 5:30 p.m. with the premiere of the original musical ¡Despierta! at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium, featuring 75 community members. Following the performance, attendees can visit the FridaFest Artist Exhibit Reception in the Edinburg City Hall lobby, which will display works by local female artists.
The FridaFest grounds, including the Edinburg City Hall Courtyard, the City Hall Lobby, and the East McIntyre Promenade, will be bustling with artistic displays, live demonstrations, health and wellness booths, local performers, Frida-inspired models, and mariachi and folkloric performances. The event will also feature photo opportunities, kiddie rides, and a children’s activity area.
The musical lineup includes Ache de Barrio, a high-energy party band from the Valley, and the headlining act, Jenny & the Mexicats. Known for blending flamenco, jazz, folk, and cumbia, the band will perform songs in both English and Spanish.
FridaFest will also host the annual Frida Look-A-Like Contest, open to children, teens, and adults. Contest details and registration information are available at edinburgarts.com/fridafest.
The festival will include a chalk art competition, where artists can register online to compete in a 5′ by 5′ space. The top three winners will receive cash prizes: $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place. The artwork should celebrate women and be inspired by Frida Kahlo.
Returning this year is the FridaRiders Caravan, in partnership with the South Texas Motorcycle Museum. Female riders can register for free, and the best-dressed Frida Rider will be chosen as people’s choice in first, second, and third place. The MotoShow will feature a lineup of bikes and riders for photo opportunities.
For more information about the event, visit edinburgarts.com/fridafest.