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 presents 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! We’ll be posting artist details as they become available.

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 we 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 at Ticketmaster or at the box office at HP Pavilion for our Mariachi Musical or San Jose State Event Center box office for our concert with Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Tito Puente, Jr.

10. How do we register for Workshops?
Easy 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.