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.

Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Adriana Ayala
Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Humberto Morales
Film & Community Conversations:
Reyna Grande
Music:
Maestro Andrés Cárdenes

Film & Community Conversations:
Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Monday, June 10, 2013:
A Conversation with Author of “Latinnovating,” Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Saturday, May 11, 2013:
A Conversation and Violin Master Class with Maestro Andrés Cárdenes
Friday, May 10, 2013:
A Conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande

Friday, May 3, 2013:
From the Battlefield to the Plaza
Concerts:
Dia de los Muertos Community Concert and Family Activities
Friday, September 21, 2012:
California History Walking Tours
Special Events:
Maya Calendar Revealed

Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Como Agua Para Chocolate Diner
Thursday, September 13, 2012:
The Weight of the Nation
Film & Community Conversations:
Irene Chavez
Music:
Las Cafeteras

Music:
La Misa Negra
Film & Community Conversations:
Aurora Guerrero
Dance:
Guelaguetza performers from Santa Cruz
Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Like Water for Chocolate

Saturday, September 15, 2012:
The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz
VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Mosquita y Mari
Monday, September 10, 2012:
Mexican Movie Night (In Spanish)
Film & Community Conversations:
Isaac Artenstein

VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Tijuana Jews
Film & Community Conversations:
Rick Najera
Saturday, September 8, 2012:
Taco Shop w/ Rick Najera
Concerts:
Domingo Gigante: A Night Of Stars

Music:
Los Texmaniacs
Music:
Trio Ellas
Music:
Paquita la Del Barrio
Music:
Ozomatli

Music:
Lila Downs
Music:
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
Music:
Ronstadt Generations
Film & Community Conversations:
Ruben Navarette

Film & Community Conversations:
Javier Sicilia
Special Events:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – Conversations with Javier Sicilia Ruben Martinez and Ruben Navarrette
Concerts:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – An Evening of Comedy!
Dance:
Calpulli Tonalehqueh