ABOUT

McAllen Public Library is thrilled to announce its fifth annual World Languages Festival at Main Library on Saturday, March 8th from 10:00AM-1:00PM! This award-winning international celebration promises a delightful array of cultural experiences, including community organizations, visual displays, interactive activities, vibrant music, and captivating performances.

This festival is a tribute to our World Languages Collection, which includes materials in Korean, Tagalog, and Hindi, enhancing our diverse collection alongside English and Spanish. Don't miss out on this cultural event!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Interactive Art for All Ages
10:00AM - 1:00PM │ Lobby Gallery Area

Community Partners
10:00AM - 1:00PM │ Lobby Gallery Area

Performances
10:10AM │ Meeting Room AB
"Sounds of Africa" w/ Elizabeth Kahura, Africa Safari Program

10:45AM │ Meeting Room AB
Bharatanatyam Dance by Akshaya Dance Academy

11:20AM │ Meeting Room AB
Traditional Irish Dance by Angelika Ruiz Gualberto, McAllen Irish Arts

11:55AM │ Outside Mall Area
Food Demo by Sidney Doria, McAllen Farmers Market

11:55AM │ Children's Department
Storytime with Monica Velasquez,
author of "Sana Sana Frog's Butt"

12:30PM │ Meeting Room AB
Samulnori Percussion Ensemble with
Professor Mijin Oh-Villarreal, UTRGV Department of Writing & Language Studies

PERFORMERS

Featuring our lineup of performers:

FEATURED PERFORMANCE
"Sounds of Africa" w/
Elizabeth Kahura, Africa Safari Program

Experience the "Sounds of Africa" with music, drum circles, and performance art that reflect the continent’s enduring cultural heritage. The featured performance by Elizabeth Kahura of the African Safari Project—a storyteller, performer, singer, and educator—invites you to explore Africa's traditions in a memorable way.

Bharatanatyam Dance by
Akshaya Dance Academy

IMG-20250131-WA0015

Led by Sumathi Suryaa Bhadriraaj, Akshaya Dance Academy will present a performance that highlights the beauty and depth of Bharatanatyam. Known for her innovative Bharatanatyam choreography in the Kalakshetra style, Sumathi blends creativity and tradition in a captivating performance of this classical art form.

Traditional Irish Dance by
Angelika Ruiz Gualberto, McAllen Irish Arts

Website Performer Images_500x500px (1)

Angelika Ruiz, director of McAllen Irish Arts and organizer of the South Texas Irish Festival, will perform traditional Irish dances at the World Language Festival. Her choreography highlights the enduring traditions of Irish culture, offering a preview of the spirit of Ireland through her art.

Samulnori Percussion Ensemble with
Professor Mijin Oh-Villarreal, UTRGV Department of Writing & Language Studies

Website Performer Images_500x500px

Professor Oh-Villarreal and the Samulnori Percussion Ensemble from UTRGV will perform traditional Korean percussion. Experience the rhythms and storytelling embedded in Korean drumming, celebrating a time-honored cultural legacy.

Storytime with Monica Velasquez, author of "Sana Sana Frog's Butt"

Don't miss local author Monica Velazquez at the World Languages Festival for an exciting Story Time featuring her bilingual book, “Sana Sana Frog's Butt!” Enjoy this fun and interactive tale!

DATE

Saturday, March 8, 2025
10:00AM - 1:00PM

LOCATION

Main Library - Meeting Center
4001 N. 23rd St.
McAllen, TX 78504

COMMUNITY PARTNERS & EXHIBITS

A huge thank you to our community partners and exhibitors for being part of our event! Their support helps us showcase the languages and traditions that make our community so dynamic.

Akshaya Dance Academy
Consulate General of El Salvador
Consulate General of Guatemala
Consulate General of Mexico
American Scottish Gaelic Association | An Comunn Gàidhealachd Ameireaganach
Boys and Girls Club of McAllen
Indian Cultural Association
International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
Dr. Kemi Bello-Tijani & Engr. Ope Ashiru
McAllen Farmers Market
McAllen Irish Arts
Monica Velasquez, Author of "Sana Sana Frog Butt"
Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH)
Nuevo Santander Gallery
Seoul Screen Society (S.S.S.)
Ukrainian Booth Exhibit
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Department of Writing & Language Studies

CULTURE THROUGH ART

Experience the visual arts at the World Languages Festival. Take part in a collaborative masterpiece that will be showcased at the Library, explore the thoughtful works of Oscar Alvarez in our Lobby Gallery, and participate in a creative art activity designed for children. Each display is crafted to invite conversation and highlight the diverse traditions within our community.

The following are some of the visual arts you'll find at WLF 2025:

Connecting Cultures: Interactive Art

An interactive art display crafted by YOU, the community. Contribute to a collaborative masterpiece that will be showcased at the Library, celebrating diversity and creativity. Let your imagination soar as you add your personal touch to this captivating showcase of multiculturalism. Don't miss this immersive cultural experience at the library!

Color In the World: Kids Interactive Art

An interactive art project for kids, inviting them to contribute to a collaborative canvas that celebrates the spirit of community. This display, created by young participants—each adding their unique touch to show that libraries are for everyone—will be exhibited in the Children’s Department. Children will have the opportunity to draw, color, and express themselves, leaving a lasting mark on a project that unites art, learning, and community.

Lobby Art Exhibit: Oscar Alvarez

During the World Languages Festival, you’ll have an opportunity to view the current Lobby Gallery Exhibit featuring the works of local artist Oscar Alvarez. His pieces draw inspiration from the unique spirit and culture of our region, offering a fresh perspective on our community’s story. Bring your family to experience his distinctive creations.

TEEN TRIVIA

Teens put their global knowledge to the test with exciting trivia challenges on world geography, famous landmarks, and international languages. With an interactive trivia game and friendly competition, it’s a fun-filled way to celebrate cultural diversity, expand your knowledge, and have a chance to win a cool prize!