3/18-24 - FESTIBA 2013 - Edinburg

Tackling illiteracy once again takes center stage at The University of Texas-Pan American during its annual Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA) March 18 through March 24.

This year’s theme is “Literacy: Inspiring Healthy Minds & Healthy Bodies.”

Highlights of the week include a faculty art show, a Congressional Roundtable on Hispanic Literacy for librarians hosted by U.S. Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15), a mariachi competition, and a performance featuring internationally recognized music conductor, Alondra de la Parra.

FESTIBA 2013 will also feature several exhibits from leading artists in Mexico, as well as plays and a book festival for young readers. Several authors will actually venture out into the community and visit a half dozen schools to share and sign books with the children.

On March 22, the public is invited to attend the FESTIBA at Jardín del Arte Community Festival from 5 p.m. To 10 p.m. at the Edinburg City Hall Courtyard. The evening of cultural and educational exchange will feature a long list of family-friendly events including a variety of musical performances, children’s activity tents, book distributions and displays, plays and art exhibits. Food and drinks will be available from vendors.

“It is very family oriented. We will promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle,” Guerra said. “There will be Zumba dancing, food vendors and a variety of artists. It will be a wonderful afternoon about fun with your family but most of all we will be stressing the importance of literacy and reading to your children.”

The week’s activities will end on March 23 with a 6:30 p.m. performance featuring winners of a public school mariachi competition at the UTPA Fieldhouse, followed by a concert at 7 p.m. with the Grammy-nominated Mariachi Sol de Mexico and the UTPA Symphony Orchestra, all led by FESTIBA’s guest conductor de la Parra.

For the week's full schedule visit the http://www.utpa.edu/festiba/.