Event FAQ

1. What is ¡VivaFest!?
¡VivaFest! is a new name for a 20 year tradition – the San Jose Mexican Heritage and Mariachi Festival. We combined two words – “viva” and “festival” to create a new way to celebrate the joy, beauty and heritage of Latino culture – ¡VivaFest!

2. That sounds cool! Tell me about the festival – what’s the 411?
The Festival is produced by the Mexican Heritage Corporation annually in September in San Jose. It’s a destination event that showcases the best in Latino music, theatre, film, and visual arts with educational music and dance workshops and community conversations. There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the nation – and something for everyone, adults and kids, music lovers and film aficionados, theatre mavens and folks interested in Mexican heritage crafts and the visual arts.

3. How do I find it?
Our festival is an event without walls or borders – we present in many venues in downtown San Jose so check our schedule for locations for each event.

4. How much are tickets for the outdoor festival?
Tickets are free!

5. Who will be performing at the outdoor festival?
Everyone from local mariachis to nationally renowned artists! Check out our lineup!

6. What other activities will there be at the outdoor festival?
Family craft activities, vendors selling authentic Mexican art, delicious Mexican food, and much more!

7. I’m a vendor and I’d like to have a booth at the outdoor festival. Who do I contact about that?
Thanks for your interest in the festival. Please call Terry Alderete at 510-436-6672 or 510-648-2337.

8. Where can I get hotel information?
We have great travel deals at many terrific hotel properties – check our travel page for information on deals and locations.

9. How do we buy concert tickets?
Tickets may be purchased online starting this summer at Ticketmaster or at the box office at HP Pavilion for our Gala Concert.

10. How do we register for Workshops?
Registration is available online here.

11. Are there late fees that apply to registrations?
Yes, late fees apply so register early!

12. Where can I find information about the artists in this year’s festival?
Just visit our Press Room for press kits and website links for all of our great artists.

13. Who do I contact for more information or to schedule an interview?
Thanks for your interest in the festival! Just contact Jill Arnone of The Arnone Group at (408) 315-5121 or by email at jilla@thearnonegroup.com

14. I’m interested in becoming a sponsor of the festival. Who should I contact?
Thanks for your interest in the festival! Please call Marcela Davison Aviles at (408) 920-6071 or email her at mdaviles@mhcviva.org

15. Who can we call for information?
Call 1-877-MHC-VIVA (1-877-642-8482) for information.

  • Dr. Adriana Ayala

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Dr. Adriana Ayala

  • HMM2012-Featured

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Dr. Humberto Morales

  • Reyna-Grande-Featured

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Reyna Grande

  • Cardenes-Featured

    Music:
    Maestro Andrés Cárdenes

  • Graciela_Tiscareno-Sato-Featured

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Graciela Tiscareño-Sato

  • Latinnovating-Feature

    Monday, June 10, 2013:
    A Conversation with Author of “Latinnovating,” Graciela Tiscareño-Sato

  • Cardenes-Featured

    Saturday, May 11, 2013:
    A Conversation and Violin Master Class with Maestro Andrés Cárdenes

  • Reyna-Grande-Featured

    Friday, May 10, 2013:
    A Conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande

  • HMM2012-Featured

    Friday, May 3, 2013:
    From the Battlefield to the Plaza

  • Dia de los Muertos Community Concert

    Concerts:
    Dia de los Muertos Community Concert and Family Activities

  • 372799_332677290110192_1855961994_n

    Friday, September 21, 2012:
    California History Walking Tours

  • Maya Calendar Revealed

    Special Events:
    Maya Calendar Revealed

  • Lila Downs - Como Agua Para Chocolate

    Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
    20th Anniversary Como Agua Para Chocolate Diner

  • The Weight of the Nation

    Thursday, September 13, 2012:
    The Weight of the Nation

  • Irene Chavez

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Irene Chavez

  • Las Cafeteras

    Music:
    Las Cafeteras

  • La Misa Negra

    Music:
    La Misa Negra

  • Aurora Guerrero

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Aurora Guerrero

  • Guelaguetza Performers

    Dance:
    Guelaguetza performers from Santa Cruz

  • Like Water for Chocolate

    Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
    20th Anniversary Like Water for Chocolate

  • The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz

    Saturday, September 15, 2012:
    The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz

  • Mosquita y Mari

    VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
    Mosquita y Mari

  • Dona Barbara

    Monday, September 10, 2012:
    Mexican Movie Night (In Spanish)

  • Isaac Artenstein

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Isaac Artenstein

  • Tijuana Jews

    VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
    Tijuana Jews

  • Rick Najera

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Rick Najera

  • Taco Shop

    Saturday, September 8, 2012:
    Taco Shop w/ Rick Najera

  • Domingo Gigante

    Concerts:
    Domingo Gigante: A Night Of Stars

  • Los Texmaniacs

    Music:
    Los Texmaniacs

  • Trio Ellas

    Music:
    Trio Ellas

  • Paquita la Del Barrio

    Music:
    Paquita la Del Barrio

  • Ozomatli

    Music:
    Ozomatli

  • Lila Downs

    Music:
    Lila Downs

  • Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

    Music:
    Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

  • Ronstadt-Generations-featured

    Music:
    Ronstadt Generations

  • Ruben-Navarette-featured

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Ruben Navarette

  • Javier-Sicilia-featured2

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Javier Sicilia

  • Javier Sicilia

    Special Events:
    VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – Conversations with Javier Sicilia Ruben Martinez and Ruben Navarrette

  • Comedy Showcase

    Concerts:
    VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – An Evening of Comedy!

  • Calpulli Tonalehqueh

    Dance:
    Calpulli Tonalehqueh

  • Folklórico Dance Workshops

    Festival Workshops:
    Folklórico Dance Workshops

  • Outdoor Feria del Mariachi

    Concerts:
    Outdoor Feria del Mariachi (FREE!)

  • Mariachi Mass

    Special Events:
    Mariachi Mass

  • Student Showcase Concert

    Concerts:
    Student Showcase Concert

  • Music & Dance Workshops

    Festival Workshops:
    Music & Dance Workshops

  • Dan Guerrero

    Music:
    Dan Guerrero – Creative Director

  • Gil Sperry

    Film & Community Conversations:
    Gil Sperry

  • Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitllan

    Music:
    Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán

  • Mariachi Reyna

    Music:
    Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles

  • Los Lupeños

    Dance:
    Los Lupeños

  • Mariachi Azteca

    Music:
    Mariachi Azteca