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** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Fiesta de la Hispanidad March 27 in Ilfeld

March 23, 2015

Las Vegas, N.M. – The 21st Annual New Mexico Highlands University Fiesta de la Hispanidad brings music and dance center stage to Ilfeld Auditorium March 27 at 6 p.m.

“Over the past 21 years, fiesta has earned its place in the community as a beloved and valued celebration of Hispanic culture,” said Sara Harris, emcee. “I can’t say enough about how much I admire the talent and heart of the performers. And it’s gratifying to see the strong, ongoing community support for this popular event.”

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

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

Proceeds from the show benefit Highlands University students through scholarships the university’s foundation awards.

The doors open at 5:45 with a pre-show performance from 6 – 6:30 p.m. by the Memorial Middle School Mariachi Juvenil. Martín Sena is the director.

Harris said that it’s always magical to see Fiesta de la Hispanidad unfold with so many wonderful ingredients in the mix – including the wide age span of the performers.

“At 91, Doña Antonio is a revered local living legend who has performed from the White House to the Smithsonian. She is an accomplished recording artist who plays accordion and sings traditional New Mexico music. Daniel Torres, a gifted vocalist and classical guitarist, is a Highlands University student. Last year the audience was spellbound by Daniel’s incredible operatic voice. These two will perform again this year and are a stellar part of the line up.”

The program for the show includes:

  • Amberlynn Sena: The Star-Spangled Banner
  • Doña Antonia, Domingo Madrid
  • Latina
  • Charlie Tuna
  • Raelene Durán
  • Los Zapateados ballet folklorico, directed by Lori Bovia
  • Daniel Torres
  • Ernestine Romero
  • Robertson High School Mariachi Cardenal, directed by Martín Sena
  • Bryanne Velarde
  • Highlands University Vaqueros de la Sierra, a student mariachi group directed by Highlands music professor Yasmin Flores. She will accompany on clarinet along with fellow music professor Edward Harrington on bass.
  • United World College – USA
  • Toby Sena
  • Grand Finale: Trío Alma de Las Vegas with Corrine Gabaldón, Sam Griego, and Robert Romero

Tickets are available at the door and also in advance from Donna Martínez, Ilfeld Auditorium manager, at the university’s radio station KEDP 91.1 FM, 901 University Ave., Suite 103, 505-454-3238.

Sponsors for Fiesta de la Hispanidad include Community First Bank of Las Vegas, Highlands University President Jim Fries, and the Highlands University Foundation.