The Heartbeat of Mexico has become an annual tradition at Chapman University, bringing the music, dance, art and culture of Mexico and Mexican-America to the local community. Hosted by Musco Center for the Arts and Chapman’s Latinx Staff and Faculty Forum, the 2023 festival featured performances by more than a dozen local dance and music groups, as well as a family-friendly festival with games, arts and crafts activities, a chalk art contest and loteria.
The weekend kicked off with performances on the Musco stage by Flor De Toloache and Las Cafeteras. Comedic drag artist Kay Sedia and actress Alisa Reyes served as MCs during the festival. Here are a few of the colorful highlights from the weekend celebration.
The Kalpulli Hueyatl Wanawna dance group performs a blessing ceremony at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Festival-goers are invited to join the Kalpulli Hueyatl Wanawna blessing ceremony at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Drag queen Kay Sedia acts as MC at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Local ballet folklorico groups perform at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Local ballet folklorico groups perform at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Local ballet folklorico groups perform at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Local ballet folklorico groups perform at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Artist Franky Castle offers live painting at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
A Chalk Art Contest takes place at the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
Festival-goers enjoy games at community partner booths during the Heartbeat of Mexico festival on Aitken Arts Plaza June 4. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
All-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache performs at Musco Center for the Arts June 2. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
All-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache performs at Musco Center for the Arts June 2. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
East L.A. band Las Cafeteras performs at Musco Center for the Arts June 2. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
East L.A. band Las Cafeteras performs at Musco Center for the Arts June 2. (Musco Center Photo by Karen Tapia)
