The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is located at 600 River Street in Austin, Texas. The official website is AustinTexas.gov/ESBMACC. Follow the ESB MACC on Facebook and Instagram (@ESBMACC) for the latest news on our events and programs!
The Dia de Los Muertos exhibit of Community Altars is currently on display in our downstairs gallery. It is free to view during business hours: Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4. No reservation needed-just come to our Front Office to check in and get access to the gallery. The altars will be on display until Nov 27, 2021.
We enjoyed an amazing two-day festival for Day of the Dead on November 1-2, 2021. Thank you for everyone who performed and attended! This festival is one of our annual signature events, so if you missed it, make sure to follow the MACC and subscribe to our newsletter!
Read more about the 2021 festival below. You can also watch the livestream recording of the festival on our Facebook page and below. If you attended the festival and want to give feedback, please do so at www.MACCSURVEY.net.
Festival Dates: Nov 1 & 2, 2021, 5:00-9:00pm
The Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center hosted our Day of the Dead celebration on Monday and Tuesday, November 1 & 2, 2021 from 5:00-9:00pm. This annual event is always free and open to the public.
Lineup
Tuesday, November 2nd
Money Chicha
Money Chicha is an Austin, Texas based group featuring members of the Grammy-award winning Latin orchestra Grupo Fantasma and its offshoot funk outfit Brownout which performs a fuzzed-out, reverb-drenched and percussion-heavy style of music inspired by the sounds of Peru and Colombia in the 60s and 70s. This style of music, sometimes called “chicha” music, is known for its infectious Latin beat, its psychedelic, surf guitar pyrotechnics and its melodies influenced by the indigenous culture of the Andes mountains.
The group’s sound is derived from the exhilarating syncopations of congas, cowbell and timbales, the gritty tones of combo organs and vintage synthesizers, effects-laden guitar melodies, insistent basslines and a healthy dose of trippy effects. Money Chicha is a modern translation of this South American musical style interpreted by highly skilled veterans of America’s most vibrant music town. In their capable hands, the “chicha” genre takes on a new and unique character, guaranteed to move one to both dance and listen, entranced by the undeniable rhythms and virtuosic displays of musicality.
Pinata Protest
Piñata Protest is an accordion powered Tex-Mex punk rock band from San Antonio, TX. Piñata Protest combines the lively sounds and traditional rhythms of the Mexican button accordion with the upbeat tempos and attitude of punk rock to produce a unique and wildly eclectic mix of aggressive yet melodic songs that are sung in both Spanish and English. Adding to their sonic performances that ignite crowds to mosh, skank, and twirl their dance partners around is their energetic and impassioned live show.
Piñata Protest was founded by the Mexican-born singer and accordionist Àlvaro Del Norte. The band includes Regino Lopez on electric guitar and vocals, Richie Brown on electric bass and vocals, and Chris-Ruptive on drums and vocals.
For over ten years the quartet has maintained a busy schedule of performing and touring throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a wide range of musical acts such as The Reverend Horton Heat, Mariachi El Bronx, Molotov, Guttermouth, Voodoo Glow Skills, Brujeria, The Toadies, Ramon Ayala, The Blasters, Authority Zero, Agent Orange, Molotov, Ozomatli, Mustard Plug, The Blasters, Wayne Hancock, and Girl In A Coma.
Mariachi Paredes de la Universidad de Texas
Mariachi Paredes de la Universidad de Texas was founded in 1977 by a group of graduate students, honoring Dr. Américo Paredes (1916-1999), a seminal figure in the study of borderlands history, Mexican American Studies, and Postmodernist anthropological studies. The ensemble’s purpose is to provide a social, cultural, and historically aware space for students, enriching their lives through the study and performance of Mexico’s national music. The students have the opportunity to share their music by performing on campus, throughout the greater Austin area, and around the state. They have been invited to perform at the largest mariachi festivals in the state including the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza (San Antonio), UTRGV’s FESTIBA Mariachi Festival (Edinburg), and the Charro Day’s Festival and Grand Parade (Brownsville). As the group has met unforeseen challenges because of the pandemic, they continue to remain active through remotely recording music and providing virtual entertainment for community events. Mariachi Paredes has been under the direction of Mónica Fogelquist since 2018.
Monday, November 1st
Son de Rey
Son de Rey is a Latin Alternative band based in Austin, Texas, and has been cultivating a style that combines Cumbia and Salsa with Pop-Electronica beats creating a contemporary and powerful original sound.
United by a love for Latin music, and Mexican-American heritage, Son de Rey has embarked on a remarkable, musical journey, composing songs that reflect their personal hardships and emotions, blending traditional sounds from their Latin heritage, with mainstream American influences. Son de Rey is also known for the colorful Latin Legends tribute to Selena, Juan Gabriel, Celso Piña, and Grupo Mazz
Art Tigerina Band
Art Tigerina, originally from Bryan/College Station, Texas, is an energetic and soulful vocalist who has entertained thousands in a span of 3 decades. Tigerina remembers his first musical influences coming from his dad, Trinidad Tigerina and brothers who were always in bands and playing music. He also recalls the truck stop his mom worked in, where out of necessity; he’d accompany her to work. “I remember late at night hearing all the old country songs on the juke box- I didn’t realize it then, but those songs shaped my taste in and longing for playing music.”
In the early 90’s, Art made a big decision to move to San Antonio, TX with the hopes of furthering his singing career. In San Antonio, Art was successful in playing with a number of great bands- La Venganza Band and CityView Band to name a couple. It was with CityView Band that he found a real break and recorded a CD with them called “Vueltas y Vueltas”. This title track was a great hit for not only CityView, but later it was re-recorded with Grupo Vida where it found even greater success.
In 1997, with the exit of Eddie Gonzalez, Art was asked to try out for well-known Grupo Vida. After only one audition, he had found what would be his musical home for the next 17 years accomplishing many things. 10 albums were recorded, including 3 Grammy Nominations. Awards included TTMA Show Band of Year, and TTMA Male Entertainer (and Vocalist) of the Year Award nominations for Tigerina. Art and Grupo Vida were also blessed to do a year-long tour opening up for the DIXIE CHICKS playing TEJANO music to thousands throughout the country.
Art is an incredible showman and vocalist and with his new band, The Art Tigerina Band, he has had a very successful solo career. Art released his first solo album in late 2017 titled “De Mi No Te Olvidaras.” We anticipate it is one you will indeed not forget. In 2018, Art was awarded “TMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year,” a well-deserved honor he will always be grateful for and proud of.
Mauricio Callejas
Mauricio Callejas is a troubadour from El Salvador. With beautiful lyrics, Mauricio sings about daily life, simple things that happen right before our eyes.
Mauricio Callejas has published 5 albums, his first solo CD “Cosas de la Calle” published in 2002 in El Salvador, then he moved to Austin, Texas to continue his studies and pursue a professional career in songwriting and recording. He recorded a second album, Magico, in Austin TX in 2008 produced by Stephen Doster. His third album came on 2012 “Helado Pop” was co-produced by Michael Ramos and Mauricio Callejas in Austin Tx. In 2016 published a limited edition EP “Preambulo” with 6 songs that served as a preamble of his next album “Crisis” published in 2020.
After more than 20 years creating songs and working on his music, Mauricio has performed in different venues in Latin America , the United States and Canada.
He is the founder of the first songwriter directory of Central America, www.centroamericanto.net and produces a weekly radio program that is broadcasted from different radio stations around the world. Mauricio is also the founder and producer of the annual Central American singer-songwriter festival “Centroamericanto Fest” in Austin TX.
Altars/ Ofrendas
To participate in building an altar at the MACC in October-November 2021, please click on the button below to register!
Sugar Skulls/ Calaveras de Azucar
At our festival on Nov 1 and 2, participants will be able to decorate sugar skulls and make paper flowers and masks!
Instructions below:
Frida Friday ATX Mercado
Frida Friday ATX is Austin’s first and only monthly intentionally intersectional BIPOC, Queer, Latinx, and local creatives centered mercado y más. Supporting and amplifying local creatives, offering entrepreneurial education programs, and creating truly diverse cultural spaces in Tejaslandia! More than a market, they're a movement.
Make sure to talk to the artisans at this amazing mercado, which will be on site during the festival on both days, Nov 1 & 2.
Lowriders
MAS Cultura and J Colunga are organizing a car show on Tuesday, Nov 2 only.
Limited spots available so please sign up with Johnny or Monica (contact info on the graphic to the right)
It’s not required but we do encourage you to decorate your car with memories of loved ones. This can be done with pictures, flowers, keepsakes, etc. ➡️swipe
Austin Veteran's Art Fest (AVAFEST)
The MACC will display altars in our Community Gallery by various local groups and individuals, honoring those we've lost. We have made a connection with the AVAFEST to host altars specifically commemorating Veterans.
Please make plans to visit the MACC between Oct 16-Nov 27 to see our altars exhibit and pay homage to those Fallen Heroes and Heroines.
Mask Mandate- we are all wearing masks at/in City facilities as of August 12, 2021. An individual over the age of two is REQUIRED to wear a face covering while present on or in City and County property unless expressly exempted in Section 2 or by a City or County policy applicable to the premises or facility.
Mandato de máscara: todos usamos máscaras en / en las instalaciones de la ciudad a partir del 12 de agosto de 2021. Se REQUIERE que una persona mayor de dos años use una cubierta facial mientras esté presente en o en la propiedad de la ciudad y el condado a menos que esté expresamente exenta en la Sección 2 o por una política de la ciudad o del condado aplicable a las instalaciones o instalaciones.
Credits:
Artwork by Jonathan Rebolloso of Coronado Studios & design by Florentino Diaz