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 2–27, 2026
Time: The gallery is open from 5:00–10:00 p.m. only on evenings when an event is scheduled at the Performing Arts Complex.
Event schedule available at https://www.utrgv.edu/arts/
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex – Exhibit Hall
VISUAL ARTS BUILDING GALLERY
KELSIE GARZA MFA EXHIBITION
Work is shaped by rural ranch life and honors the beauty, labor, and traditions of caring for land and animals through a contemporary lens. Using oil and acrylic paint, ceramics, found objects, and family textiles, they layer memory and material to create work that feels familiar through shared emotions of love, care, and belonging. Through hand-built ceramics, sewn fabrics, and painting from memory, they connect past and present while inviting viewers to reflect on their own ties to land, labor, and family.
Dates: February 2-13
Opening Reception: February 2
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Visual Arts Building (EVABL)
CHARLES & DOROTHY CLARK GALLERY
THE CIGAR BOX EXHIBITION
Cigar Box Curiosities conveys the deeply personal yet interconnected nature of artmaking. Although many of the cigar boxes donated by the Elephant Cigar Lounge are identical due to mass production, the artists have transformed them through sustainable and resourceful practices into unique expressions of their creativity. We invite the audience to consider what more we could transform into sustainable expressions of our borderland identity.
Dates: February 2- 13
Opening Reception: February 2
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GALLERY
AMANDA L. KILLEEN, DPM EXHIBITION
MORE THAN THE AREA OF INTEREST: ACKNOWLEDGING HUMANITY IN CLINICAL PHOTOS
Join us for a photo essay drawn from clinical encounters, where the focus extends beyond the subject of the image itself. While clinical photographs are typically created to document a specific “area of interest,” these images reveal surrounding details that quietly insist on being seen.
Together, the photographs invite viewers to pause and consider how identity, history, and human presence persist within clinical spaces, even when not intentionally captured. This work does not aim to direct interpretation, but to create space for observation — encouraging reflection on how we see patients, how context shapes care, and what remains visible when attention widens.
Dates: February 2-27, 2026
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, ELIBR 1st floor gallery
The gallery will be on display February 2–27 and is open during the library’s regular business hours. https://www.utrgv.edu/library/about-us/hours/index.htm
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FACULTY AND STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
February 1 - 28, 2026
Monday, February 2 - Sunday, February 8
SPAIN: STEREOTYPES, MYTHS AND TRUTHS
Flamenco, bullfighting, paella, siesta! Have you ever wondered how much are these aspects truly representative of Spain/Spanish cultures today? Presenter: Dr. Cristina Sánchez-Conejero, Department of Spanish, UTRGV
Date: February 3
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Zoom: https://utrgv.zoom.us/j/3230882414?omn=85226638497
CARMEN TAFOLLA
Presentation by State Poet Laureate of Texas 2015, Dr. Carmen Tafolla. The author of more than 40 books and many many writings spanning from short stories to historical non-fiction, and from poetry to children's books and novels-in-verse, Tafolla shares with us photos and stories of how a young kid from an impoverished barrio found her way to standing ovations worldwide.
Date: February 5
Time: 6 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Marian F. Monta, PhD Studio Theatre, ELABS 107
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 - BALLET 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
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: February 8
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass.
LEAH HOLLINGSHEAD, SOPRANO AND MAGGIE HINCHLIFFE, PIANO
Reframing the Narrative of Cowboy Culture in the American West. Join us for an afternoon recital featuring soprano Leah Hollingshead and collaborative pianist Maggie Hinchliffe! Their repertoire includes Libby Larsen’s Cowboy Songs, a compilation of Copland art songs, a song cycle titled “Songs From the End of the Frontier” by Tejano composer Alex Shawver that premiered in spring 2024, and arrangements of Mexican ranchera music.
Date: February 7
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: BMSLC 1.217, Brownsville Campus
1 W. University Blvd., Brownsville
Monday, February 9 - Sunday, February 15
UN GATO ES UN HAIKU: EL POEMA BREVE COMO FORMA DE ATENCIÓN
Presentación del libro Un gato es un haiku (edición bilingüe) de Elvia Ardalani. La autora explora el haiku como una forma de atención al instante y a la presencia animal. A través de la lectura de poemas y una breve reflexión sobre el proceso creativo, el evento invita a una experiencia literaria de silencio y mirada en torno al poema breve.
Book presentation: A Cat Is a Haiku (bilingual edition) by Elvia Ardalani. The author explores haiku as a form of attentiveness to the moment and to animal presence. Through the reading of poems and a brief reflection on the creative process, the event invites a literary experience of silence and observation centered on the short poem.
Presenter: Dr. Elvia Ardalani, Department of Spanish, UTRGV
Date: February 10
Time: 2:15 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus/EEDUC 2.502
UTRGV SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Brownsville
The UTRGV Symphony presents a preview concert of its debut program of leading Mexican composers for the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio, featuring music from the 1939 Mexican film La Noche de los Mayas, also Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz, and Concierto de Minería by Samuel Zyman with flute soloist Nicaulis Alliey. Don't miss this evening of breathtaking artistry and orchestral brilliance! Directed by Norman Gamboa, Director of Orchestral Activities at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Date: February 10
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Brownsville Campus, TSC Performing Arts Center
UN GATO ES UN HAIKU: EL ARTE DE DECIR POCO
Presentación–charla virtual del libro Un gato es un haiku (edición bilingüe). Conversación y lectura con la autora sobre la capacidad del poema breve. El encuentro será un conversatorio con la profesora Ana Isabel Ortiz como moderadora y con Francisco Macías-Jones, traductor del volumen, quienes acompañarán la lectura y dialogarán sobre el proceso creativo y el paso del poema entre lenguas.
Virtual presentation and talk for the book A Cat Is a Haiku (bilingual edition). A conversation and reading with the author about the expressive power of the short poem. The event will take the form of a roundtable discussion moderated by Professor Ana Isabel Ortiz, with Francisco Macías-Jones, the book’s translator, who will join the reading and discuss the creative process and the movement of the poem between languages.
Presenters: Elvia Ardalani (author), Department of Spanish, UTRGV, Francisco Macías-Jones (translator), Ana Isabel Ortiz (moderator).
Date: February 12
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://utrgv.zoom.us/j/2707038537?omn=84905126977
ALEGRIA 2026 - BALLET 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 13-14
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: February 15
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass.
Monday, February 23 - Saturday, February 28
ANCIENT LANDSCAPES OF SOUTH TEXAS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT - A GEOHERITAGE DOCUMENTARY FILM
The award-winning documentary film Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight was produced by the CHAPS Program at UTRGV and highlights millions of years of Lower Rio Grande Valley history that include volcanic eruptions, 27-million-year-old petrified logs, 43-million-year-old giant oyster shells, and projectile points crafted by humans for over 15,000 years. The film also illuminates the unique landscape of our region and helps curious minds to understand the natural processes that formed South Texas. The producers of this film will be on hand to introduce the film and provide their unique insight into the inspiration behind this project and their overall goal to promote the largely overlooked geological and cultural history of the LRGV.
Presenters: Juan L. Gonzalez, Roseann Bacha-Garza, Christopher L. Miller and Russell K. Skowronek.
Date: February 23
Time: 12:30 – 1:45pm
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, TBA
Date: February 24
Time: 12:30 – 1:45pm
Location: UTRGV Brownsville Campus / TBA
UTRGV SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Edinburg
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.
Date: February 25
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
PERFORMANCE OF MUSIC ECHOING INDIVIDUAL STORIES OF MEXICAN SONG HERITAGE
Featuring by Dr. Liudmila Varlamova and students of class piano Keyboard Skills for Vocalists and Piano class will explore and perform the popular Mexican songs for voice - instrumental solos and piano accompaniments.
Presenters: Dr. Liudmila Varlamova and students of class piano.
Date: February 26
Time: 9:00 am -10:00 am in person and via Zoom
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, EPAC B1 131
Zoom Link: Contact liudmila.varlamova@utrgv.edu to request Zoom link
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
We are thrilled to welcome our FESTIBA 2026 Special Guests Mariachi Los Camperos! Founded in 1961 by Natividad “Nati” Cano, the Grammy Award–winning ensemble has played a pivotal role in elevating mariachi music worldwide. From becoming the first mariachi group to perform at Carnegie Hall to collaborating with Linda Ronstadt, Mariachi Los Camperos continue to honor tradition while shaping the future of the art form. Today, under the direction of Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán, their legacy lives on through rich, elegant, and inspiring performances.
FESTIBA 2026 MARIACHI FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday - Saturday, February 27 & 28, 2026
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Mariachi Los Camperos de Jesus “Chuy” Guzman
Friday, February 27th
08:00 am – 09:00 am
Mariachi Conference Check-In
09:15 am – 10:00 am
Presentation of Repertoire for Workshops with
Mariachi Los Camperos & Mariachi Aztlán
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instrumental Workshops with
Mariachi Los Camperos and Mariachi Aztlán
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Directors’ Masterclass with Freddie Sandoval:
Differences In the Approaches to Live and Studio Sound Engineering
12:00 pm – 01:30 pm
Lunch on your own
01:30 pm – 02:30 pm
Students’ Masterclass with Mariachi Los Camperos:
Demonstration of Style and Interpretation of the Son, Huapango,
Bolero, and Ranchera
02:30 pm – 04:30 pm
Instrumental Workshops with
Mariachi Los Camperos and Mariachi Aztlán
03:00 pm – 04:00 pm
Directors’ Masterclass with Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán
Interactive Coaching Session: Feedback and Guidance on Technique,
Interpretation, and Expression
05:30 pm – 08:30 pm
Vocal Competition Finalists for Middle School and High School
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass (Tickets: $10 General Admission)
Saturday, February 28th
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School and High School Group Competition
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
FESTIBA 2026 Mariachi Festival Grand Concert:
- Mariachi Los Camperos de Jesus “Chuy” Guzman
- Mariachi Aztlán
- Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán
- High School Competition Grand Champion
- Middle School Group Winner
- Middle School & High School Vocal Competition Winners
Special Guests: UTRGV Ballet Folklórico
$50.00 registration fee. Individual concert tickets are $20.
For more information and registration, visit: www.utrgv.edu/festiba
Please note: Workshop Registration fee does not include a concert ticket.
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex
Tickets at: UTRGV ARTS Showpass
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $40 VIP seats, $10 UTRGV Faculty/Staff/Senior 65+, Children
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: The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce
275 S. Kansas Ave. Weslaco, Texas 78596