By Amelia Orozco, Hola America
Just when summer is about to wind down, and the kids are ready to go back to the routine of school and studying, there is a three-day festival worth squeezing into your schedule. You can make it a weekend getaway to Milwaukee (from Chicago it’s only about an hour-and-a-half car ride). The yearly tradition brings in artisans and big-name musical acts from Mexico and around the country. There are contests, giveaways, authentic cuisine and drinks, along with live music and dancing. This year’s festivities are extra special as it is the 50th year of this beautiful tradition that will culminate by the Milwaukee lakeside in an event that is affordable for the whole family to attend. See www.mexicanfiesta.org for details.
The first year Mexican Fiesta took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was in 1973 when a committee formed to celebrate and preserve Mexican traditions. Their goal was to provide an atmosphere of awareness and celebration. Most importantly, its mission was to raise funds for Hispanic kids to attend college. To date, the festival has raised approximately $1.7 Million for Latino college students.
This year, in addition to the activities and entertainment in the festival, there will concerts at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, which is located right on the festival grounds. Fest organizers announced that to kick off the weekend’s festivities, Los Bukis will be playing the day before the festival starts, on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Tickets to the concert are on sale and are good for entry to the festival as well.
“Mexican Fiesta’s 50th anniversary is a great opportunity to honor our community’s strong tradition of hard work and commitment as well as its unique cultural heritage,” Mexican Fiesta Executive Director Teresa C. Mercado added. “Having Los Bukis performing as our kick-off celebration emphasizes the historical momentum and represents the beginning of a remarkable collaboration between FPC Live, Mexican Fiesta and Milwaukee World Festival.”
It was around the same year that the festival was first being conceptualized that Los Bukis were forming as a band in Mexico, and then quickly grew in status to sell millions of records. After a long trajectory, the group disbanded, and each member went their separate ways. After 25 years, the group decided to get back together in 2021 and have now been on tour, but only in select cities, including their home state of Michoacan and Mexico, California and Texas. It’s quite a treat to have an iconic group like Los Bukis be part of Mexican Fiesta on its 50th anniversary.
There will be other stellar acts within the festival grounds (no extra charge), including Ezequiel Peña, playing his norteñas and corridos, Hijos de Barron, Gerardo “El Jerry” Coronel, Grupo Palomo, playing their well-known ballads and Tejano-style hits. Also, fest-attendees will enjoy music by Alex Fernandez, the son of legendary singer, Vicente Fernandez, Ray Ruiz and his salsa stylings from Cuba, Aida Cuevas and her traditional Mariachi style, and more.
Mid-festival, on August 26th, The Lumineers will take the stage at the Amp, too (concert ticket required). The Lumineers are an alternative folk band with guitars, drums, piano and cello. The three-time certified platinum group has the family appeal and sing-along style that pairs so well with Wisconsin’s premier Mexican festival.
There is something for everyone at Wisconsin’s Mexican Festival, a great place to start a yearly tradition, make memories and to learn about Latino culture.
WHEN: August 25, 26 and 27 – 12:00 P.M. to Midnight Each Day
WHERE: Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI
PRICE: Ages 9 and up $24 or $19 online www.mexicanfiesta.org;
8 and under free with adult
Friday only: Free Admission for All (12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
TICKETS: Milwaukee area El Rey grocery stores or at the Mexican Fiesta office,
29975 20th Street, Milwaukee, WI
Facebook Comments
