By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – FEB. 21, 2024 – UTRGV’s annual Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA), an educational and entertaining event that promotes cultural arts and literacy, runs this year from Feb. 23 through March 3.

This year’s theme surrounds the idea of “inspiring hope and prosperity through arts and literacy,” using a hummingbird as a focal symbol due to its representation of endurance, good luck and freedom.

“FESTIBA 2024 aspires to be a transformative event that will uplift, unite and inspire the entire Valley community,” said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, director of FESTIBA.

FESTIBA was established in 2006 to promote the importance of literacy, culture and the arts throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Every year, a theme is selected to inspire the community and to remind everyone of the importance of promoting literacy, especially early childhood literacy.

Dr. Jeffrey Ward, dean of the UTRGV College of Fine Arts, said FESTIBA has been a great opportunity throughout the years to showcase the university, the students and the faculty to the community, and to bring outstanding artists, musicians, authors, poets, other creatives and experts in their fields to UTRGV.

“It is a distinct, annual festival that brings national and international talent in a variety of music, art and literary fields to the RGV, to inspire our students and community,” Ward said.

Some of the highlights of FESTIBA 2024 include:

• Festiba Community Festival at the Edinburg Book Festival: Feb. 23, 6 p.m. – Dustin M. Sekula Library, Edinburg.
  Featuring author Jasminne Mendez and a recognition of Top Reader Schools.
• South Texas Literacy Symposium: Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – UTRGV Edinburg Campus Ballroom.
• “East Meets West” Concert: Feb. 27, 7 p.m. – Gelman Stained Glass Museum, San Juan
  Ticketsuse code FESTIBA for $5 off.
• Distinguished Artist Series - Fly Dance Company: Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, Edinburg campus.
  Tickets at UTRGV Arts on Showpass.
• Museum Of South Texas History presents “Family Stories of the Underground Railroad” at 10 a.m. and “Dr. Garcia’s Gold” at 2 p.m. on March 1 at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg.
• Mariachi Los Camperos: March 2, 7 p.m. – UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, Edinburg campus.
  Tickets at UTRGV Arts on Showpass.
• La Frontera International Piano Conference: El Piano Latinoamericano: March 1, 7 p.m. at the TSC Fine Arts Center in Brownsville.
• University Productions Metamorphoses: March 1 & 2, 7:30 p.m.; March 3, 2 p.m. – Albert L. Jeffers Theatre, Edinburg Campus.
  By Mary Zimmerman, directed by Dr. Brian Cheslik.
  Tickets at UTRGV Arts on Showpass.
• Third Annual Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Memorial Book Festival: March 1, 1 p.m. – Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Public Library, Weslaco.

For a complete schedule of events visit, FESTIBA 2024 Schedule | UTRGV.

For more information, contact the School of Music at (956) 665-3881 or (956) 882-7025.