Earlier today, City of McAllen officials along with the McAllen Convention Center announced the dates for this year’s Fiesta de Palmas, its annual cultural celebration with something for the entire family. Celebrating as its theme Dia de los Muertos, the entire Rio Grande Valley should save the dates of Friday, October 20 through Sunday, October 22, 2023 for a weekend of pure joy, entertainment, and cultural celebration like never before. 

“Fiesta de Palmas is back, and it's coming back bigger and better than ever before,” said Joe Garcia, Marketing & Event Coordinator for the McAllen Convention Center.  “Picture this: three full days of non-stop festivities set to take over the picturesque grounds of the McAllen Convention Center. We guarantee that your heart will race with joy from the moment you step foot into this unforgettable event.”

Fiesta de Palmas celebrates the vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and fantastic music that make the McAllen community so unique. And this year, organizers have curated an extraordinary lineup of activities and entertainment that will make this festival a must-attend event.

Here's just a bit of what's in store:

• Beer Around the World, presented by L&F Distributors, Saturday, October 21: An exciting beer tasting experience paired with delectable dishes from local favorite restaurants.
• H-E-B Helping Here Pumpkin Patch, Octber 20 -22: Capture precious memories and pick out the perfect  pumpkin to take home. Add a touch of creativity with face painting available in the pumpkin patch area.
• Musical Acts: The main stage will feature chart-topping tribute acts, including Amor Prohibido, a Selena tribute band; Strange Love, the Depeche Mode Experience, and 24K Magic, the number one tribute band to Bruno Mars. Additional music acts will be revealed as Fiesta de Palmas approaches.

Other captivating entertainment experiences include:

• Voladores de Papantla: Witness an awe-inspiring UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage designation act as the Voladores fly over the main stage, mesmerizing all with their ritual ceremony.
• Circo Dragon: Dia de los Muertos Presentation - Estampas del Alma: A moving celebration of loved ones who have passed on.
• Artisan Mercado: Explore a shopping haven with vendors offering a diverse range of items.
• Community Ofrenda: Honor loved ones with a, larger-than-life ofrenda that will be located in the Palm Lobby. The community is invited to submit high-resolution PDF photos of their dearly departed to ashley.gonzalez@mcallen.net for inclusion in the altar.

Finally, enjoy educational, interactive and visual experiences:

• EduFiesta brings together organizations from near and far, offering entertaining and educational experiences. Favorite activities with the Reptile Show, Dino George, McAllen Public Library, IMAS Quinta Mazatlán, UTRGV, South Texas College, and more will be onsite to engage and educate.
• Grand Carnival: The Fiesta de Palmas  Grand Carnival returns with tantalizing food options and thrilling rides for all ages.
• Fireworks Spectacular: Close out each night with a bang.

The festivities will kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, with free admission for the entire family. Doors open again at 12 noon and admission is free until 4:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.  After that, admission is only $10. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com.

Fiesta de Palmas will be a cashless experience, so bring credit or debit cards, or use the McAllen Convention Center Experience Card that will be available at load/reload stations.

Many more exciting elements are yet to be announced. Visit the website or follow Fiesta de Palmas on social media to stay up to date. Celebrate the rich tapestry of the community, revel in cultural diversity, and create lasting memories,

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