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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
10:00AM - 1:00PM │ Meeting Rooms
Stay Tuned for schedule!
Elizabeth Kahura: Sounds of Africa
Akshaya Dance Academy: Bharatanatyam
Angelika Ruiz Gualberto: Irish Dance
Dr. Andrea Valdez: Explore the World Through Food
Professor Mijin Oh-Villarreal: Samulnori


PERFORMERS


Featuring our lineup of performers:

FEATURED PERFORMANCE

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


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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


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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. 

Food Demo by
Dr. Andrea Valdez, Texas A&M 
AgriLife Extension


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Get to see a live food demonstration by Dr. Andrea Valdez from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension! Learn to prepare a healthy recipe with international flavors you can recreate at home.
 

Traditional Irish Dance by
Angelika Ruiz Gualberto, 
McAllen Irish Arts


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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


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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.


DATE


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


LOCATION


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


COMMUNITY PARTNERS


Many thanks to our community partners who will be at our event! Their support helps us showcase the languages and traditions that make our community so dynamic.

  • Akshaya Dance Academy
  • Boys and Girls Club of McAllen
  • Consulate General of Mexico
  • Indian Cultural Association
  • International Museum of Arts & Science
  • Kemi Bello-Tijani
  • McAllen Farmers Market
  • McAllen Irish Arts
  • Monica Velasquez, Author of "Sana Sana Frog Butt"
  • Museum of South Texas History
  • Nuevo Santander Gallery
  • Seoul Screen Society(S.S.S.)
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
  • 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

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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

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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

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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.


DOWNLOADS


AWARD-WINNING

 

        


World Languages Festival has garnered recognition through several prestigious awards, including:

2024

  • Gold: Best Invitation, International Festival & Events Association
  • 1st Place: Best Community Program, Texas Association of Fairs and Events
  • Gold: Best Community Outreach Program, Texas Festival & Events Association
  • Silver: Best Promotional Brochure: International Festival & Events Association

2023

  • 1st Place: Best New Program, Texas Association of Fairs and Events


IN THE NEWS

 


PHOTO GALLERY

 

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