A Guide To Philadelphia's 'De Pueblo A Pueblo' Festival
Starting April 27th, the city will celebrate the culture of Mexico and the growing Mexican population here in Philadelphia with an eight-week festival of food, performances, exhibits, film screenings, tours, lectures and more. Here's what's happening during this month-and-a-half-long fiesta, and how you can get in on the fun! - Chelsea Karnash
What: The celebration, organized by Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (a truly awesome museum/gallery, if you haven't been), the Mexican Cultural Center, Casa Monarca and artist Laurence Salzmann, has been dubbed "De Pueblo a Pueblo," or "From Town to Town." Salzmann, a documentarian and photographer, was inspired by his recent series of photo essays to create a fun, relationship-building series of events that would engage both the Mexican community in the area and the general population. More than 25 groups are involved, and there are over 40 festival events scheduled into mid-June.
When: April 27 – June 16, 2012
Where: Venues vary; there are events being held at universities, museums, galleries, art centers and more. The Magic Gardens are acting as the festival's headquarters.
Schedule: With more than forty events on the books, we couldn't possibly list them all, but here are some of your options.
Friday, April 27
"Echele Ganas: A Life Left Behind" Opening Reception
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
6 – 9 p.m., FREE
Artist Laurence Salzmann celebrates the opening of his new photo exhibit, featuring the people of Sierra Norte de Puebla, a remote region and mountainous region of Mexico. Check out the collection through June 16th if you can't attend the opening.
Saturday, April 28
Music and Mosaics Concert Series Kick-off
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
7 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy music by Del Pasado al Presente (Past to Present), featuring Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac, Tonantzin Coatlicue, and Grupa Cuestion Nortena, the first performance in the Music and Mosaics series at the Gardens.
Sunday, April 29
San Matteo Carnavalero (or Carnaval de Puebla)
Begins at Casa Monarca and ends at Sacks Playground (4th & Washington Sts)
10 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE
Watch the parade as it journeys from Casa Monarca to Sacks Playground and concludes with performances and a family-friendly celebration.
Tuesday, May 1
Mayan Arts and Crafts
Casa Monarca
5:30 – 7 p.m., FREE
Grab the kids and head to Casa Monarca for an all-ages Mayan arts and crafts workshop.
Friday, May 4
Art After 5: Crisol
Philadelphia Museum of Art
5 – 8:45 p.m., FREE with museum admission
Spend the evening at the PMA, where there will be live music from Crisol—just in time for Cinco de Mayo!
20th Annual Maya Weekend
Penn Museum
Starting at 3 p.m. on Friday
The Penn Museum's annual Maya Weekend starts on Friday and continues until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Maya enthusiasts and scholars alike can join together for three days of workshops, lectures, discussions and more on the fascinating ancient culture. Also on Saturday, the museum's MAYA 2012: Lords of Time exhibit (on the end of the world and 2012, for all you Doomsday preppers!) opens to the public.
Saturday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Copacabana
Pay tribute to the 1862 Mexican army's victory over the French during a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Copacabana.
Thursday, May 10
Young Friends' MAYA 2012 Celebration
Penn Museum
6:30 p.m., $30 general admission ($25 for members)
Enjoy a muy deliciosa Patrón cocktail followed by a tutored tequila tasting outside in the museum's beautiful Warden Garden. Then, explore the new MAYA 2012 exhibit, which focuses on the relationship between time and the universe in Maya society.
Sunday, May 13
Family Jams
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
12 – 4 p.m., FREE with admission
Bring the fam to the Magic Gardens for Mexican-themed hands-on workshops and kid-friendly tours.
Saturday, May 26
Bilingual Bike Safety Course
Casa Monarca
3:30 p.m., FREE
Learn how to stay safe while riding your bike—in both English and Spanish.
Wednesday, June 6
Book Signing for Laurence Salzmann's "Echele Ganas: A Life Left Behind"
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
TBD, FREE
Get your copy of Echele Ganas signed by the author-artist himself.
NOTE: There are also a number of film screenings, art workshops and bilingual tours offered during the festival. Click here for more info on the festival's events. http://depuebloapueblophilly.wordpress.com/events-and-programs/
For a taste of Mexico, check out these related guides:
