FESTIBA In the News
FESTIBA 2025
Thursday, February 20th -
Sunday, March 2nd
Theme: Life’s Tapestry: Art and Words
The Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA) was established in 2006 to promote the importance of literacy, culture and the arts to students, parents, educators and community members throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The Arts, in all their enchanting forms, have the ability to transport us to different realms and ignite our imagination. FESTIBA 2024-2025 will explore the theme of Life’s Tapestry: Art and Words. One of the most captivating aspects of poetry is its use of imagery. Through vivid descriptions and sensory details, poets and musicians paint pictures in our minds, allowing us to experience the essence of their sounds and words. Imbuing life with colors, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch, Arts and Words offer a window into the rich tapestry of life.
Click Here for FESTIBA 2025 Schedule!
FESTIBA 2024 kick-off
Friday, February 23rd
COMMUNITY FESTIVAL in Edinburg

Join us for this fun community event, which will feature an amazing list of family-friendly events including a variety of author presentations, book signings and distributions, musical performances, children’s activities, book and art displays. Featuring Jazminne Mendez - poet, educator and award-winning author.
Free books will be distributed by the South Texas Literacy Association!
Location: Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library, 1906 South Closner Boulevard, Edinburg
Time: 6 p.m.
UTRGV celebrates 17th annual FESTIBA 2023 starting Feb. 25
Last year, Raquel Ortiz, an author of children's books, visited with local elementary students as part of the Reading Rock Stars program, organized by the Texas Book Festival in conjunction with UTRGV's annual Festival of International Books & Arts (FESTIBA). This year, FESTIBA will run from Feb. 25 to March 5. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
UTRGV is bringing the joy and wonder of literacy to the community with its annual Festival of International Books & Arts (FESTIBA).
FESTIBA, an educational and entertaining event that promotes literacy and appreciation of reading for all ages, starts Feb. 25 and runs through March 5.
Dr. Dahlia Guerra, special assistant to the dean of the College Fine Arts at UTRGV, said each year the festival has a new theme.
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FESTIBA 2023
UTRGV is bringing the joy and wonder of literacy to the community with its annual Festival of International Books & Arts through March 5. The educational and entertaining event promotes literacy and appreciation of reading for all ages.
Dahlia Guerra, special assistant to the dean of the College Fine Arts at UTRGV assistant vice president for Public Art & Special Projects, said each year the festival has a new theme.
“We do that to inspire the community through the cultural arts, and to remind our community of the importance of promoting literacy, especially early childhood literacy,” she said.
The theme for this year’s FESTIBA is “Transforming our World Through Arts and Literacy.”
“The theme this year highlights the transformative power of the arts, which can touch us and move us, and points to the arts as a great source of inspiration to bring people together and transform communities,” Guerra said.
By focusing on transformation, FESTIBA hopes to show how the creative and cultural arts create spaces in which people can share their experiences, no matter how different their lives and experiences are.
Some of the highlights of FESTIBA 2023 include:
- FESTIBA 2023 the Community Festival at the Edinburg Bookfest on Feb. 24 at the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg
- Writing workshop on Feb. 27 with San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson
- A poetry performance and Q&A with Sanderson and frontera storyteller, poet and biographer Gris Muñoz
- Piano concert with internationally renowned pianist Robert Satterlee
- The FESTIBA Mariachi Festival, which includes masterclasses, competitions and a concert featuring Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández on March 3-4.
Read More Here!
FESTIBA 2020
UTRGV Ballet Folklórico marks 50 years with 'Alegría' performance

EDINBURG - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Ballet Folklórico is celebrating its 50th anniversary with performances of "Alegría" this weekend. "Alegría" is a celebration of Mexico’s history and culture, going as far back as the pre-Hispanic era. The show takes the audience on a journey through different parts of Mexico, showcasing each region's distinct music and dance.
Read More About Ballet Folklórico