MXLAN is a celebration of several forms of visual, culinary, and performative art created by Latiné artists taking pride in their culture. I had the joy of attending for the first time and experienced a host of talent that the Valley should be more than proud of. With the current state of the country and increasing risks facing members of the Latiné community, it felt like a breath of fresh air to celebrate that culture around good people, great food, and incredible music.
The Sights
From its bright exterior to its decorated interior, there was always an artwork or performance within sight. A tunnel of ribbons, where people could write words of wisdom, invited them to add to it, creating a temporary monument to the idea that ours, or any community, betters itself by collaborating.
On the first day, I was treated to a group of dancers who entranced a large crowd with a performance evoking pre-Hispanic culture.
Inside the event’s gallery stood tables where visual artists were selling their art and telling their stories, as well as murals from previous years, while another was getting painted nearby by local artist Serkit Studios. One of the artists who also caught my eye, live painting turned out to be Krystal Gonzalez, a visual artist who occasionally makes the illustrations for certain Trucha articles.
The third day was the lucha matches, which delivered everything expected from them and more: Storylines, comedic relief fighters, and a chair to slam your opponent with.
The Sounds
Before a single decoration is seen, you have the ability to hear the festival throughout the convention center. Apart from the dancers in the entrance, there were also back-to-back folklorico performances from different regions by dancers of varying ages. While inside held folk dancers of several styles and origins stemming from Latin America, the outside held karaoke for the crowd and centered the Breakthrough stage where up-and-coming musicians got to perform.
There was a plethora of musical artists owning the Breakthrough stage, covering multiple genres but highlighting indie rock. While there are many artists worth mentioning, like Lueme, Principium, and Inner wave, my personal favorite was Cherry Chrome. Serving the crowd with a psychedelic, atmospheric set, the artist made the convention center’s outdoor space feel like a club.
The Flavors
Secondary only to the music filling the venue, one of the first sensations to hit your body is the sweet, savory smell filling the air. The entrance space of the convention center was lined with food vendors selling tacos, helados, aquas frescas, and even a few Mexican fusion dishes. While the vendors easily proved that no one makes tacos like the Valley, the desserts are what kept me eating even after inhaling half a bag of sugar-coated peanuts. Mainly, any mango helados I could get my hands on. Inside, there were vendors selling not just the go-to sweets, like cajeta wafers and the aforementioned peanuts, but handmade breads and empanadas as well.
MXLAN also held its annual “Sabor & Spirits” tour of food & mezcal, featuring several restaurants, but the representative of the local tavern & kitchen, Bodega, earned the title of “Agave Masters Grand Champion.”
The Ones We Should Not Forget
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the runners & volunteers who put their blood, sweat, and tears into the event. Whether for self-improvement, making the event possible for the community, or just trying to accomplish a set goal, these are mainly locals who’ve dedicated their time towards either service or a physical goal.
If you relate to the former, I suggest donating your time to organizations like DSA RGV, which are staying on top of actions in the Valley and the issues facing them.
