Mariachi Mass to be held Sunday, June 26 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church
FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite the public to attend its third annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25. The event is free.
What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history.
The Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada will take place at the parking lot of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. The church is a significant site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.
The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits. The entertainment stage will feature Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff; Desierto de Colores Ballet Folklorico — Holbrook; Mariachi Herencia Musical and Mariachi Inspiración from Tucson and the showcase group, Mariachi Sol Azteca from Tucson.
There will also be an “Oldies” car show (from the early ’60s back to the 1940s). The event will also include a tribute to Hispanic pioneers and Hispanic veterans in the region, free activities for children and a raffle. Mexican and regular barbeque food will also be sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund. A recuerdos lecture focusing on the history of the Hispanic community in the region will also be held at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Cultural Center “The Basement.”
Bring your chairs. Canopies are allowed.
A Mariachi Mass will then be held at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, 1600 E. Route 66, Flagstaff.
The public is invited to both events. Visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org, www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.com or send an email to contact@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or visit https://flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.