Latest news with #MexicanAmericanCulturalCenter
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Color, culture, great art: Mexican American Cultural Center opens in Downtown El Paso
A festive scene unfolded over the weekend as thousands flooded Downtown El Paso for the long-awaited grand opening of the Mexican American Cultural Center. On the lawn in front of the center known as the MACC, crowds gathered Saturday, March 22, for mariachi music and tribal dances, while nearby a lowrider show, food trucks, lucha libre matches and a variety of vendors drew visitors' attention. Downtown development: Old El Paso Popular building sold, set for major residential project The MACC was designed as an institution for the creation, education and celebration of Mexican American culture. It is located next to Cleveland Square Park on East Franklin Avenue at North Oregon Street. The massive crowd made navigating the new center difficult, but the atmosphere inside was just as festive. The dance studio held pop-up cumbia and corrida classes and the kitchen was serving agua frescas and chips and salsa. The maker space was inundated with children busying themselves at various projects and colorful headbands were being constructed in the art studio. Among those milling around the MACC were Jim and Mary Pat Glauber from St. Louis, who made their first visit to El Paso on their way to visit Big Bend. "My first impression is that, if I move to El Paso, I better learn Spanish," Jim Glauber said with a laugh. "It's very impressive the way they're sharing this heritage," Mary Pat Glauber added. "It's very exciting." The Glaubers were particularly enthused by the array of upbeat music and the way children, many draped in traditional attire, appeared excited to learn about and take part in Mexican traditions. They likewise noted the connections between the traditions being shared at the MACC and the stories shared at the nearby El Paso Museum of History. Downtown: El Paso City Council eyes Duranguito redevelopment after arena plan rejected by voters For Mayela Velasquez, the grand opening — and the very existence of the museum — rang a subtle political tone. "I think it's really interesting, the opening of this space in El Paso, especially in these times," she said. Velasquez said she was most excited about the dance and cooking classes that will soon be on offer at the museum, as well as the intricate design work on the outside of the building, which sets is apart from the rest of the Downtown landscape. Patricia Medici, wandering near the art gallery with her husband, El Paso artist Hal Marcus, noted the long 13-year wait residents have endured since voting to fund the MACC project back in 2012. The MACC was funded by the voter-approved 2012 Quality of Life Bond for $16 million as part of the continuing revitalization of Downtown. "It's a lot of color, a lot of culture, a lot of great art," Medici said. "It's the opening of something that's been waited on a long time, so congratulations to everybody." The Mexican American Cultural Center, known as the MACC, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission to gallery spaces is free. Admission for various ticketed events at the center will vary. Information: Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@ This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso celebrates new MACC with Mexican cultural festivities Downtown
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mexican American Cultural Center to open in March
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The long-awaited grand opening for the City's new Mexican American Cultural Center is a little under two months away. The City's Museums and Cultural Affairs Department announced that the grand opening of the facility will be Saturday, March 22. The center is located at 201 W. Franklin Ave. in Downtown El Paso. 'This is more than just a building. It's a long-awaited, transformative space that honors and preserves the history, art, and contributions of the Mexican American community,' El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said. 'The MACC will be a cultural landmark, bringing people together to celebrate the rich diversity that makes El Paso such a special place.' The MACC is 'a signature project of the 2012 Quality-of-Life Bond, overwhelmingly approved by voters. The nearly $16 million project developed by the City's Capital Improvement Department will provide a dynamic venue for the creation, exhibition, and celebration of Mexican American art and culture,' the City said in a news release. City Manager Dionne Mack added: 'The MACC represents the heart of a shared vision, built with deep respect for the cultural identity and creativity that defines El Paso. This center is not just an investment in our present. It's a promise to future generations that their stories, traditions, and artistic expression will be celebrated and preserved in a world-class space designed for all.' The MACC's location in the Downtown Arts district allows for 'strong synergy with our museums, performing arts centers, and major festivals, which collectively draw over 1.2 million attendees annually,' Quality of Life Managing Director Ben Fyffe said. The 40,000-square-foot facility features the following amenities, the City said.: An auditorium and black box theater A dance studio and recording studio A teaching kitchen A rooftop event space Multi-use classrooms and an artist-in-residence studio An exhibition space and community gallery, both debuting exhibits featuring El Paso and regional artists The MACC's grand opening will also serve as the celebration of the recently completed improvements to Cleveland Square Park, located next to the MACC, the City said. The day's festivities will include: Guided tours of the MACC Hands-on activities from MCAD The unveiling of two new exhibitions Food trucks Additional details about the grand opening festivities will be announced in the coming weeks. For more details on the Mexican American Cultural Center, including amenities, space rentals, and hours of operation, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
