An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/75899
MEXICAN FIESTA brings the sounds, culture and tastes of Mexico to Milwaukee's lakefront Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds) Aug. 24-26. The festival offers entertainment, exhibits, contests, shopping, food and other attractions from noon to midnight all weekend. New this year is the Tequila Expo & Food Exhibition, featuring vendors and producers directly from Jalisco. Festgoers will see food demos and learn about authentic Mexican cuisine. Back by popular demand is the concert featuring classical ballet as well as folklore ballet, all accompanied by a mariachi band extravaganza. Ballet Folklorico Poctly Yancuic & Compania Estatal de Danza Clasica y Neoclasica de Jalisco perform with Mariachi Mexico Vive. Traditional mariachi is among the elements of Mexican culture recognized by UNESCO as world heritage and pictured here. Also not to be missed is the Pok-Ta-Pok, the ballgame of the ancient Maya. Also presented by Ballet Folklórico Mexico Hnos Avila will be the drama and beauty of the dances and culture of the Aztec people. Sports and entertainment collide in the wrestling ring at Mexican Fiesta with Lucha Libre. Visit the Cultural Pavilion to see beautiful arches, remarkable water fountain and handcrafted artisan works from the states of Mexico. More than 100 artists representing a number of Mexican states will display artworks. Don't miss the mouth watering Pan de Feria–traditional festival bread baked fresh every day by master bakers. The "Guest of Honor" 36 at the pavilion is the State of Jalisco. Also, this is the spot where visitors can learn how to trace their "Mexican roots." With pride and gratitude, Mexican Fiesta presents the Latino Veterans Exhibit, featuring a number of Silver Star Medal of Honor recipients from Milwaukee. Escuadron 201 Photographic Exhibition/History/Video is presented by Historian Bill Luna. Uniforms representing a variety of U.S. services that were worn during different wars and military actions will be on display. Musical performances throughout the weekend include international recording superstars and other top acts: La Original Banda Limon, Los Huracanes de Norte, Pablo Montero, Belanova, Banda Machos, Mariachi Mexico Vive, Mariachi Joya de Mexico, and Ricardo Castillo. Visit Mexican Fiesta for these entertainers – mariachi, salsa, banda, bachata merengue, cumbia and much more. The Rock en Español Stage. which premiered last year, will again bring fun contemporary sounds to Mexican Fiesta. Colorful folklore dance performances by and Ballet Folklórico Mexico Hnos Avila and Ballet Nuestro Mexico will thrill audiences. Crowds will gather for the fun and excitement of Mexican Fiesta's contests. Friday offers a Salsarengue contest; Saturday, dance and El Grito contest with Mariachi, and Sunday, jalapeno-eating and Traditional costume contests. Hotwheelz 2012 is Milwaukee's hottest car and motorcycle show. A soccer tournament (at Urban Park) will be held 1- 6 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Midway rides as well as the Children's Play