Category Archives: News

Events, featured, News, Summertime Tardeada

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to celebrate 9th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10. Followed by traditional Mariachi Mass on Aug. 11

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Mariachi Rubor Femenil, Soul Persuasion and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff to headline FREE event. Veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo. Sponsorships are still available and most appreciated.

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. 

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history.

The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits. All veterans are encouraged to to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo.

Courtesy photos.

The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi Rubor Femenil from Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaffand dance music by Soul Persuasion to conclude the celebration from Soul Persuasion from Phoenix.

A raffle. Mexican and regular barbeque food will be sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is a significant historic site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.

So for locals and visitors, escape triple-digit temperatures in the rest of the state, bring your lawn chairs and canopies and enjoy the cooler mountain breezes of Northern Arizona.

A Mariachi Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The public is invited to both events. Visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.

See photos from previous Tardeadas and Mariachi Masses:

Celebraciones de la Gente, featured, News

Vendor Applications now available for the 2024 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

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The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite you to participate in the annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead festival on October 26 & 27, 2024.

Exhibitor booths will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Please click here to download and fill out a vendor application.

featured, News

Community celebrates Cinco de Mayo with annual dance at the American Legion in Flagstaff

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Event was presented by the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces

FLAGSTAFF — Community members spent a lively evening dancing, enjoying bowls full of posole, participating and having a good time during the annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring Los Alambrados, held at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The event was presented by the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

Photos by Frank X. Moraga / http://www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2024

Events, featured, News

Tickets on sale now for annual Cinco de Mayo Dance in Flagstaff featuring Los Alambrados

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FLAGSTAFF — The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring Los Alambrados, from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

Tickets are $20 per person / $35 per couple.

Contact American Legion Post 3 at FlagstaffAL3@Gmail.com or call 928-774-7682 for tickets, more information

Celebraciones, featured, News

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces / Museum of Northern Arizona among finalists named for 2024 Viola Awards by Creative Flagstaff

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By AmigosNAZ.com

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raices & the Museum of Northern Arizona: 20thAnnual Celebraciones de la Gente has been selected as a 2024 Viola Awards Finalists for the Excellence in Collaboration category by Creative Flagstaff.

The winners of the category will be announced on March 23, 2024 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Flagstaff.

The 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival was held Oct. 21, 22 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The event, a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, featured the return of the the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers, Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, El Charro Bohemia, sugar skull and other workshops, and the display of nearly two dozen ofrendas/altars in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard.

Click here to see a slideshow of photos from the event.

Group photo featuring members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces at the 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Members of In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers performing at the 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente. Photos below by Frank X. Moraga.
A visitor learns about a family’s ofrenda/altar at the 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

 family’s ofrenda/altar at the 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Please see entire media release below

Story image: Klee Benally Performing during Tzonteyōtl Na’ach’ąąh (Resistance Art) a Diné & Xikan@ Collaboration.

By Creative Flagstaff

Congratulations 2024 Viola Awards Finalists & Klee Benally as Legacy Award Recipient

Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the Finalists and Legacy Award Recipient for the 16th Annual Viola Awards. The Viola Awards celebrate excellence in the arts and sciences in Flagstaff, Arizona. 42 finalists are recognized across 10 categories, with some finalists being recognized in multiple categories. All finalists will be honored at the event on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Orpheum Theater in historic downtown Flagstaff.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16th-annual-viola-awards-tickets-825751574187

(Full list of finalists below).

Creative Flagstaff is honored to recognize Klee Benally as the 2024 The Babbitt Brothers Foundation Viola Legacy Award recipient. Klee passed away in December of 2023. During his life, he fought tirelessly in defense of the land, against injustices, and in support of indigenous communities which was the foundation for his creative practice and artistry. He was an Indigenous anarchist, visual and performing artist, writer, and musician. He published “No Spiritual Surrender: Indigenous Anarchy in Defense of the Sacred” in November 2023. He played with Blackfire, which he formed with his brother and sister when he was 14 until 2012 and he recorded a solo album in 2013. He also formed “Appropriation” around 2017 which released 1 album. Klee was heavily involved with organizations and projects such as; Indigenous Action, Taala Hooghan Info Shop, Kinlani Mutual Aid, and Out Your Backpack Media. He also created Burn the Fort, which is a game of Indigenous Resistance. Klee’s passion and creativity were endless, and he is an inspiration to us all.

This year nearly 150 nominations were sent to Creative Flagstaff from members of the Flagstaff Community. At the same time, nearly 30 members of the Flagstaff community applied to serve as a panelist for this year’s awards. Panelists have the important job of determining the finalists and winners of the event. Panels were assembled based on interest and expertise. Panels met in late January to select the official Finalists which were announced Friday, February 19, 2024.

Learn more about this year’s Viola Awards here: creativeflagstaff.org/viola/2024-viola-awards/

2024 Official Viola Award Finalists

Excellence in the Visual Arts

  • Bryan David Griffith: Envision
  • Paula Rice: Transformation & Transcendence 
  • Nate Begay: Our Future, Told by the Past
  • Jihan Gearon: Tricky

Excellence in the Performing Arts

  • Ballet Folklórico de Colores: Paseo Navideno: A Christmas Journey Through Mexico
  • The Cast of Dance Nation
  • Stargazer Collaborative Theatre: Women of Broadway Cabaret
  • Simon Says Theatre: Every Brilliant Thing

Excellence in Music

  • iiwaa
  • Tiny Bird
  • Tow’rs
  • Ryan Biter
  • Pilcrowe

Excellence in Storytelling

  • Mary Tolan: Mars Hill Murder
  • Melissa Sevingy: Brave the Wild River
  • Lawrence Lenhart: Backvalley Ferrets 
  • Lydia Gates: Flagstaff Poetry Slam Host

Emerging Artist

  • Brian Price
  • Nathan Henderson
  • Haley Jacobey
  • Jonathan Cady

Excellence in Education

  • Joe Maniglia
  • Betsy Hamill
  • Owen Davis

Excellence in Collaboration

  • Diane Immethun & FSO: Deeper Soul of Picture Canyon
  • Master Chorale & NAU Community Dance Academy: Venus & Adonis
  • Interference Series
  • Maya Scull & Jason Libby: Nightmare Over the Rainbow
  • Flagstaff Nuestras Raices & Museum of Northern Arizona: 20th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente

Community Impact (Individual)

  • Emmett White
  • Kimberly Robinson
  • Caitlin Burd
  • Wendy White

Community Impact (Organization)

  • The Give Back
  • Freaky Foot Tours
  • Flagstaff Foundry
  • Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
  • Northern Arizona Book Festival

Philanthropy Award

  • Arizona Public Service
  • Dark Sky Brewing
  • Alice Christie
  • L. Gore
featured, News, Our lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

Community gathers for traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration in Flagstaff

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Photos by Frank X. Moraga / ©2023 http://www.AmigosNAZ.com

FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 luminarias surrounded Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel as traditional music could be heard coming from inside during the annual Celebration Our Lady of Guadalupe held Dec. 12, 2023 in Flagstaff.

Participants to the Celebration met the previous evening at the chapel to take part in a procession to San Francisco de Asis Church on Route 66. After a scheduled brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept.Station 2 for coffee and other drinks and sweets, participants walked up to the church watch a dance by Las Matachines de San Francisco de Asis, the Rosary (led by teens), a play and consecration to Mary.

At the celebration on Dec. 12 at the chapel, participants were greeted by the glow  luminaries surrounding the chapel. placed by members of  Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

The celebration included a Rosary, lead by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the presentation of Las Mañanitas, the Mass in English, with coffee, Mexican chocolate and pan dulce served in the church’s basement.

See photo slideshows and stories of previous Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations:

See 2023 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration photos below

Celebraciones de la Gente, Events, News

Time to Celebrate the 20th Annual Anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 21-22, 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC). Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.

CLICK HERE to see www.AmigosNAZ.com photos from the 19th annual Celebraciones de la Gente held on Oct. 29, 30, 2022.

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival when the annual Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.

The event is a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, with generous funding of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ programming by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).

This year’s event features the return of the ever-popular In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.

Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.

The museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arranged ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.

On Saturday evening, the courtyard will stay open into the night, as the full impact of the candlelit ofrendas can be enjoyed, along with Mexican treats and soulful strolling Mariachis. Don’t miss this fall festival. Invite your friends and family, from this world and the next! 

Some of the scheduled events each day include sugar skull-making workshops in the Patio (reservations required), performances by Ballet Folkorico de Colores — Flagstaff, and presentations on the the “History of Mariachi Music.”

Celebraciones de la Gente will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22.

The ever-moving Closing Ceremony (blessing of the altars/ofrendas) to be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 immediately followed by the festival attendees group photo.

The tentative schedule includes:

Saturday, October 21

10:00 Museum Opens

10:30 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)

11:00 – 12:00 Mariachi performance (Courtyard)

12:00 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)

1:00 Ballet Foklorico (BCDC)

1:00 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)

2:00 History of Mariachi Music (BCDC)

3:30 Aztec Fire Dancers (BCDC)

6:00 Mariachi performance (Courtyard)

Sunday, October 22

10:00 Museum Opens

10:30 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)

11:00 – 1:00 Mariachi performance (Courtyard)

12:00 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)

1:00 Ballet Foklorico (BCDC)

2:00 History of Mariachi Music (BCDC)

3:30 Aztec Fire Dancers (BCDC)

4:30 Closing Ceremony

TICKET PRICES AND MORE FESTIVAL INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

The event will be held at:

Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Events, News

Flagstaff annual Cinco de Mayo celebration to be held May 5 at the American Legion

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The Flagstaff annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 5 at the American Legion — Mark A Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

Hosted by the Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the event includes a dinner ($12) from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and the dance from 7 to 11 p.m.

Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, News

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates its 2022 Tardeada Festival, Mariachi Mass

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Veterans honored for their service by visitors who also enjoyed a mild Summer day featuring mariachi music, folklorico performance, dancing, Mexican food and more.

Members of Ballet Folklorico de Colores Flagstaff, above, entertain the crowd at the seventh annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022.
Photos by Frank X. Moraga / http://www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2022
El Mariachi Tapatio de Tucson kicked off the Tardeada Festival.
More than 42 area veterans were honored at the 2022 Tardeada Festival.
Photo courtesy of Esteban Villarreal. ©2022

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored the region’s Hispanic roots by celebrating the seventh annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church south of downtown Flagstaff

The free event drew more than 250 people with the entertainment stage featuring El Mariachi Tapatio de Tucson, dance music by La Banda Las Catrinas from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff.

The highlight of the event included the presentation of certificates honoring the service of all veterans who attended the celebration.

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors was the premier sponsor, supported by the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).

During the event, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces thanked all sponsors, individuals and organizations that contributed to the successful event (see full list below).

Following the Tardeada, a Mass, with a musical performance, was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Sunday, Aug. 21, followed by a menudo/posole breakfast.

The church is a significant historic site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.

Visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.

Members El Mariachi Tapatio de Tucson perform at the Mariachi Mass on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. ©2022