FESTIBA 2026 Schedule
February 1 - February 28, 2026
OVERVIEW
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. Each year, FESTIBA celebrates the transformative power of the arts to connect, inspire, and educate.
This year’s theme, Echoes of Identity: Voices Through Time and Culture, invites us explore how literature, music, and the arts capture personal and collective identity, echoing stories passed down through generations and across borders. It invites reflection on heritage, language, tradition, and the evolving narratives that shape who we are.
FESTIBA 2026 ART EXHIBITS
PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX GALLERY EXHIBIT
Samuel Rodriguez Distinguished Guest Artist Exhibition
The Art of Reading Exhibition curated by Samuel Rodriguez. This project is designed to bring the viewer closer to an experience of art and to the experience of literature. Everyone is welcome: students, libraries, teachers, authors, children, painters, artists, and everyone who needs to stimulate their imagination.
Dates: February 2nd - 27th, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex Exhibit Hall
VISUAL ARTS BUILDING GALLERY
Description coming soon.
Dates: February 2-13
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Visual Arts Building (EVABL)
CHARLES & DOROTHY CLARK GALLERY
By Creative Writing faculty and guest artist.
Dates: February 2- 13
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FACULTY AND STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
February 1 - 29, 2026
Monday, February 2 - Sunday, February 15
SOUTH TEXAS LITERACY SYMPOSIUM AT FESTIBA
FESTIBA’s Librarians and Educators Day collaborates the South Texas Literacy Coalition to present the South Texas Literacy Symposium, a professional development conference for local literacy providers. This free conference is sponsored by Literacy Texas. This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.
This year’s symposium features FESTIBA 2026 Distinguished Artists:
Carmen Tafolla – poet and award-winning author
Samuel Rodriguez – curator of the Art of Reading Exhibition
Date: February 6
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Ballroom
To register, visit literacytexas.org/SouthTX.
Juan Pablo Andrade, Piano
Join us for an evening of exceptional piano performance with Dr. Juan Pablo Andrade, an award-winning Costa Rican pianist. Dr. Andrade has appeared as soloist with numerous symphonies, served as a visiting professor at several universities, and currently holds the position of Full Professor of Piano at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Date: February 6
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: BMSLC 1.217, Brownsville Campus
1 W. University Blvd., Brownsville
ALEGRIA 2026 - VALLEY FOLKLORICO
UTRGV Ballet Folklórico proudly presents Alegría, a breathtaking display of traditional Mexican dance and music that will leave you mesmerized! Directed by Miguel Peña, our talented dancers will bring to life the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through their graceful movements and vibrant costumes. Prepare to be captivated by their impeccable choreography and infectious energy!
Directed by Miguel Peña, our talented dancers will bring to life the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through their graceful movements and vibrant costumes. Prepare to be captivated by their impeccable choreography and infectious energy!
Date: February 6-7 & 13-14
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: February 8 & 15
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass.
Monday, February 16 - Sunday, February 22
JOEL PAGAN AND KURT MARTINEZ FACULTY RECITAL
Join us for an evening of exceptional music featuring Joel Pagan, violist and Professor of Music, and Kurt Martinez, guitarist and Professor of the School of Music. This faculty recital showcases their artistry, virtuosity, and collaborative musicianship in a program you won’t want to miss.
Date: February 21
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
REVUELTAS - LA NOCHE DE LOS MAYAS "UTRGV SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
UTRGV Symphony Orchestra is proud to present "Revueltas: La Noche de los Mayas" with special guests UTRGV Ballet Folklorico, Mariachi Nuevo Santander and Mariachi Aztlan! Don't miss this unique performance that combines traditional folkloric dance with an orchestral rendition of classic mariachi.
Directed by Norman Gamboa, Director of Orchestral Activities at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Monday, February 23 - Saturday, February 28
NICOLE ASEL, MEZZO-SOPRANO AND JOHN LINDSAY, TENOR
Nicole Asel, mezzo-soprano and John Lindsay, tenor will perform a guest artist recital.
Date: February 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Friday - Saturday, February 27 - 28
Featured Mariachi Artist to be announced.
Plan to join us at FESTIBA 2026!! It will be a great workshop, competition and concert!
FESTIBA 2026 MARIACHI FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday - Saturday, February 27 - 28
For more information and workshop registration, visit: TBA
Friday, February 27
Workshops
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Registration
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. - Presentation: Featured Mariachi Artist to be announced & Mariachi Aztlán.
10:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Instrumental Workshops
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Directors’ Masterclass
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch on your own
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Student Masterclass
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. - Instrumental Workshop
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. FESTIBA 2026 Mariachi Festival Vocal Competition for Middle School and High School Semi-Finals. Winners announced at the end, followed by a presentation featuring Mariachi Aztlán with Middle School first place winner and five High School Vocal Competition Finalists.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass
$6 General Admission
Saturday, February 28
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. FESTIBA 2026 Mariachi Group Competition
Division winners and Grand Champion announced at the end. Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass
$6 General Admission
7 - 9:00 p.m. FESTIBA 2026 Mariachi Festival Grand Concert: Middle and High School Vocal and Ensemble Competition winners, Mariachi Aztlán, and Special Guest Mariachi Artists to be announced.
Workshop Registration includes free ticket to Grand Concert.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets for the public not yet avalaible.
Saturday, February 28
MAYOR JOE V. SANCHEZ MEMORIAL BOOK FESTIVAL
Mayor Joe V. Sánchez was a longtime mayor of Weslaco, superintendent of schools, a veteran, and an author. The annual book festival was created in his memory to promote literacy, the arts and culture throughout the community and beyond while celebrating creativity. This will be a free event open to the public and student performances, authors panels, arts and crafts stations, vendors, free food and books.
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 1 - 6 p.m.
Location: Mayor Joe V. Sánchez Public Library in Weslaco
275 S. Kansas Ave. Weslaco, Texas 78596