Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village, the “art and soul of Sedona,” is hitting a big milestone this year. Fiesta del Tlaquepaque, one of Sedona’s premiere events honoring Mexican Independence Day, is celebrating its 45th year.
Mark the calendars for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and be sure to gather friends and family, including the kids, for a day of nonstop south-of-the-border fun and entertainment. Admission is free and parking is available at the Uptown municipal parking lot with continuous shuttle service to and from the fiesta from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., provided by Sedona Magic Trolley.
Get a taste of Old Mexico as it was celebrated and honored through dance and music. The Ballet Folklorico de Colores dancers will entrance you as they as twirl and spin in a blur of color in their beautiful traditional costumes. Each dance tells a story depicting rural life in timeless villages.
For those who love flamenco dancing, Tlaquepaque favorites Mosaico Flamenco, accompanied by Gaetano and his band, always bring it. Gather early as the crowds swell. These flamenco artists explode with energy and uninhibited passion.
Be sure to check out the ever-popular Ritmo Latino. Feel free to bust a move when you hear their irresistible Latin sounds: Saxophone, keys, drums and guitar. Carrying on with the Latin vibe and Spanish flamenco influences, Latino Rebel, a foursome of brothers, are masters of reggae, Latin, R&B and the blues. And Sedona favorite Eric Miller brings his virtuoso flamenco guitar feats and traditional love songs, delighting crowds wherever he goes.
If that wasn’t enough entertainment, spend some time with Jaleo Band, presenting big-sound performances and a spirited fusion of Latin and South American musical traditions, expressed in the rhythmic melodies of salsa, cha-cha, Latin jazz, merengue and cumbia. Rounding out the day is David Merino and Darius Lux. Merino is a gifted guitarist, performing sultry sounds with Mediterranean influence. Lux combines his love of 1960s songwriting, 1970s soul, 1980s pop and 1990s hip-hop into a current mix of soulful, rock-edged pop tunes.
Be sure to catch the Mariachi Estrellas del Pacifico as they stroll the arts village and Tlaquepaque North. This troupe sings with abandon their traditional love songs that express the heart of Old Mexico’s musical traditions.
The kids are in for some great fun, as well. The always-cool art of twisting balloonws into animal shapes never gets old, and by far the most creative face painting you’ve ever seen will delight kids to no end. Both will take place along Calle Independencia. And back for another year are caricature paintings by the talented Jeremy Drysdale, who will create a fun sketch of your child for free in Tlaquepaque North. It’s a big day so come join in and celebrate.
The entertainment line-up by Tlaquepaque location is as follows:
Main Village:
n Patio de Norte: Gaetano Mosaico Flamenco, 11 a.m. to
2 p.m.; Jaleo Band, 3 to 6 p.m.
n Patio La Fuente [at the end of Calle Independencia]: Ballet Folklorico de Colores, 11 a.m.,
1 and 3 p.m.
n Patio de Las Campanas: David Merino, 10 a.m. to noon; Eric Miller, 1 to 3 p.m.; Darius Lux, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
n Patio de Las Rosas: Mariachi Estrellas del Pacifico, 11 a.m. to
1 p.m.; David Merino, 2 to 4 p.m.
n Calle Independencia: Face painting, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; balloon twisting, 11 a.m. to
5 p.m.
Tlaquepaque North:
n Ritmo Latino, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Jeremy Caricatures,
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mariachi Estrellas del Pacifico, 2 to 3 p.m.; Latino Rebel, 3 to 6 p.m.
Tlaquepaque’s world-class boutiques and art galleries offer an adventure in discovery and an education in the arts and beauty of handcrafted items, many available only at Tlaquepaque.
Plan to stay all day and dine in any of five excellent restaurants, each with its own scrumptious cuisine, so there’s no need to leave the fiesta with so many choices. And for quick bites check out the on-site food vendors providing delicious burritos, tacos, popcorn and more.
Home to more than 45 boutique shops and world-class galleries and five restaurants, Tlaquepaque, the “art and soul of Sedona,” is now in its 45th year. Located at 336 State Route 179 in Sedona, it opens daily at 10 a.m.
Call 282-4838 or visit tlaq.com for more information.
