** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Fiesta de la Hispanidad April 7 in Ilfeld

Las Vegas, N.M. – The 23rd Annual New Mexico Highlands University Fiesta de la Hispanidad brings music and dance center stage to Ilfeld Auditorium April 7 at 5:30 p.m.

“Over the past 23 years, the fiesta has become a multigenerational event that feels almost like a family reunion,” said Sara Harris, emcee. “It has earned its place in the community as a beloved and valued celebration of Hispanic culture.”

Harris is a Highlands University Spanish language professor emerita who has organized Fiesta de la Hispanidad every year since its inception.

“The fiesta is like a breath of fresh air, and is very positive for both the performers and the audience,” Harris said.

The family event is bilingual.

The cost for Fiesta de la Hispanidad is $5, and there will be door prizes. The university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium is at 900 University Ave. There will be concession specials in Ilfeld.

Proceeds from the show benefit Highlands University students through scholarships the university’s foundation awards from the Fiesta de La Hispanidad Scholarship Fund.

The doors open at 5 p.m. with a pre-show performance by the Memorial Middle School Mariachi Juvenil. Martín Sena is the director.

The program for the show includes:

  • Floyd Aguilar
  • Marcos Cano
  • Charlie Tuna y Toby Sena
  • Patricio Jaramillo
  • Mariachi Differencia
  • Raelenae Durán
  • Antionette Josephine Lucero
  • Robertson High School Mariachi Cardenal, Martín Sena, director
  • Nita Luján
  • Brenda Ortega
  • Mrs. Sarah’s Ballet and Jazz youth dancers
  • Haley Naranjo
  • Liana Fernández
  • Veronica Jaramillo and her children, Jasmine and Joseph
  • Grand Finale: La Banda Seria with Andrés Pacheco, Martín Pacheco, José Martínez, and Jarrod Archuleta

Tickets are available at the door and also in advance from Donna Martínez, Ilfeld Auditorium manager, by calling 505-454-3238.

Sponsors for Fiesta de la Hispanidad include Southwest Capital Bank, Highlands President Sam Minner, and the Highlands Foundation.