At its core, MXLAN is an interactive arts and music festival celebrating the past, present, and future of Mexico’s diverse cultural influence in our world.
Are you ready to dive into the depths of Mexican music, food, arts, and fun without leaving McAllen? Well, save the date! Shah Eye Center and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to bring MXLAN to McAllen from Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28 with all events held at and around the McAllen Convention Center complex. Sure to become a destination vacation event with visitors from across the country and Mexico, it will be an experience igniting people’s spirit of adventure, revelry and camaraderie.
“You don’t want to miss this event,” an enthusiastic Steve Ahlenius, president & CEO, McAllen Chamber, said. “This is something you want to come out and experience.”
While brainstorming for something new and different for the Valley, the blueprint for the five-day festival, MXLAN, was designed. Four criteria were set: 1) Increase hotel occupancy, 2) increase restaurant sales, 3) increase retail sales and 4) affirm positive on-going relations with Mexico.
Join the Chamber at MXLAN by wearing the theme of each day’s color. Simply check the website www.MXLAN.com.
La Guelaguetza, 150 of the world famous Oaxaca dancers will perform nightly at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, sharing ancient traditions with new generations. The brilliance of the costumes, the enthusiasm of the dancers, and the diversity of the dances will add up to dazzling entertainment.
The Convention Center grounds will be filled with lively music on the MXLAN Breakthrough Stage nightly which will host many rising stars including the extremely popular Omar Apollo, a psychedelically soulful singer-songwriter with over 2.3 million listeners on Spotify. Then on Friday, July 26, the Unite Music Concert will host a diverse group of Mexico and Texas entertainers: Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon, Solido, Los Cadetes de Linares, and Sonora Dinamita de Anaidita.The athletically inclined will relish MXLAN Neon Nights 5K Run, Wednesday, July 24, powered by Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Then delight your senses by surrounding yourself in vibrant lights, DJ music, and high energy vibes.
Shah Calenda Parade at MXLAN What’s a festival without a parade? MXLAN will offer a real Oaxaca Calenda-style street parade, Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28 sponsored by Shah Eye Center, with giant dancing dolls, live music, and more. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume and join over 150 performers from Oaxaca, Mexico for this amazing experience.
On Thursday, July 25 join Sabor a Mexico at MXLAN, where local top Chefs from our region and Zapotec, Mexico inspire Mexican cuisine. Firemasters at MXLAN, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 Top Grillers of Mexico will share their mastery of fire, flavor and grilling. Then mosey on over to the Mezcal, Tequila & Catrinas Festival at MXLAN, also on Saturday, July 27, enjoying the exquisite tastes of top mezcal and tequila brands with a night of rousing colors.
Artisan Mercado at MXLAN Has shopping been mentioned? Don’t miss perusing the goods – mercados of Mexico’s past with over 200 craftmakers from throughout Mexico. Use this opportunity to take advantage of bringing exquisitely crafted, colorful, and high quality handmade items home with you. Christmas is just around the corner.
Oh, yes – fireworks! On Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 we’ll see MXLAN Lights Fireworks around the reflection pond. For those playfully-minded, check out the MXLAN Mindgames E-sports Festival tournaments for kids of all ages. The Circo Hermanos Vazquez Show at MXLAN the world’s #1 Latino circus will present their high-flying mix of heart-pounding thrills and aerial artistry at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Letter Burning Ceremony at MXLAN . . . the list keeps going.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Shah Eye Center, City of McAllen, Boggus Ford, Brillante Tehuacán, Cemex, Tecate Light Beer, McAllen International Airport, Reliant, Texas Monthly, and UTRGV.
“We have a long tradition in partnering with the events across the state that celebrate Texas heritage, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Texas State Fair, connecting with our customers and driving the causes these events support,” said Elizabeth Richmond Killinger, president of Reliant. “That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to partner with MXLAN. We were inspired by and believed in the interactive cultural experiences this event will deliver.”
All of this takes people power. The Chamber wants you! Volunteers are needed so please consider volunteering and helping make this incredible festival an absolute success. You will definitely want to be part of MXLAN . . . attend the events or volunteer, do both, just don’t miss it!
For a complete schedule of events, ticket information, and to volunteer, go to www.MXLAN.com.