FESTIBA 2025 to Spotlight Youth Talent at Annual Mariachi Festival

Photo above: The UTRGV Mariachi Festival, part of FESTIBA, will celebrate regional youth talent from Feb. 28 to March 1 at the Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg. Highlights include vocal and group competitions for middle and high school students, featuring a special performance by Grammy-nominated José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México. (UTRGV Archival Photo by Paul Chouy)

Staff Report

EDINBURG TX — Young mariachi musicians from across the region will take center stage as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosts its annual Mariachi Festival from Feb. 28 to March 1 at the Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg. The event, part of the Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA), will highlight the skills of middle and high school students through vocal and group competitions.

The festival will culminate in a grand concert featuring Grammy-nominated artist José Hernández and his renowned ensemble, Mariachi Sol de México. UTRGV’s award-winning Mariachi Aztlán will also perform.

Francisco Loera, co-director of Mariachi Aztlán, emphasized that the festival provides young musicians with valuable exposure to professional mariachi artists through competitions, instrumental workshops, and masterclasses.

“It is exciting for these kids to meet high-level mariachi members, as it motivates them to keep going and push harder to compete,” Loera said.

Co-director David A. Moreno highlighted the role of mariachi music in the fine arts, calling it a powerful blend of love, passion, and technical skill.

“Experiencing genres like sones, boleros, and huapangos performed live by our talented students and world-class musicians is vital for fostering appreciation in our community,” Moreno said.

2025 Mariachi Festival Highlights

Friday, Feb. 28

• Mariachi Festival Vocal Competition (5:30-8 p.m.) – Middle and high school semi-finals, followed by a musical showcase featuring UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán and competition winners.

Saturday, March 1

• Mariachi Group Competition (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Division and grand champion winners announced.
• Mariachi Festival Grand Concert (7-9 p.m.) – A showcase featuring competition winners, Mariachi Aztlán, and Mariachi Sol de México.

For more details on the FESTIBA Mariachi Festival, visit www.utrgv.edu/festiba/program/mariachi.

Source — UTRGV News and Media Relations