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Albuquerque's Birthday Celebration

Festivities featuring all things Albuquerque.

2024 ABQ Birthday Website Photo

Saturday, April 20, 2024 | Noon-4 p.m. | Historic Old Town 

The Department of Arts & Culture is excited to celebrate Albuquerque's 318th Birthday with food, fun, live music, and local flair in the heart of the City. This party will feature birthday must-haves such as face painting, entertainment, and specials at a variety of participating Old Town stores. 

 

Birthday Entertainment on the Gazebo

12 p.m.- Ballet Folklorico Fiesta Mexicana - Folkloric Dancing  

1 p.m.– Mariachi Tenampa - Traditional Mariachi 

1:30 p.m.- Founders' Ceremony 

2 p.m.– Baracutanga - Latin 

 

2024 ABQ Birthday- Ballet FolkloricoBallet Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana, Inc. organized following the loss of founder and longtime Director, Maestro Miguel Caro Zaragoza, to provide continuity of his legacy and many decades of teaching Mexican Folk Dance in the community. Since 2014, Fiesta Mexicana has partnered with the City of Albuquerque to provide access to cultural awareness and dance education to the community by participating in many of the City sponsored events and providing low cost Youth Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana classes. Fiesta Mexicana’s dance repertoire consists of dances from almost all the states of Mexico and a set of Aztec dances. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024 ABQ Birthday- Maraichi Tenampa

Mariachi Tenampa's history begins in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1971, Don Miguel Ojeda Sr., originally from Carachéo Munícipio de Los Leónes, Mexico, settled in Santa Fe. Don Miguel Ojeda Sr. formed and directed this group along with his brothers Elias Ojeda and Antonio Ojeda, his two sons Raul Ojeda and Miguel Ojeda Jr., and 4 additional members. It wasn't long before the local New Mexicans discovered and appreciated this talented group. Mariachi Tenampa quickly gained popularity throughout the state and became known as the best mariachi in the region. The members of this new group had found a new home and were welcomed with open arms into the state of New Mexico, the beautiful "Land of Enchantment". 

 

 

 

 

 

2024 ABQ Birthday- Baracutanga

Baracutanga is a seven-piece band, representing four different countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, USA), that blends South American ancestral traditions with a modern sensibility. Their exciting and distinct Latin flavor keeps crowds dancing and always wanting more. Baracutanga creates songs that cross linguistic and cultural barriers, building bridges between the south and the north, promoting intercultural experiences that empower people with a positive message of self-affirmation. Baracutanga‘s live shows are joyous, intense and explosive, propelled by the sounds of Andean flutes, charango, accordion, vibes, horns, guitar, bass, drums, vocal harmonies, and an array of percussion.

 

 

 

 

Party Food

Enjoy a bite to eat from local food trucks like corn-on-the-cob from CCR Roasting and Lao sticky rice from ABQ Rice Box. The Knights of Columbus with San Felipe de Neri Church will be cooking up their famous burgers in the church courtyard. Old Town restaurants will be joining in on the celebration, ready to serve their signature plates and specials. 

 

Birthday Activities

It's going to be a party throughout Historic Old Town! Kids can don their best birthday party face with free face painting. A variety of Old Town Merchants will have booths around Plaza Vieja for you to shop to find your new favorite gifts. 

Mark the occasion by adding another member to the family with pet adoptions sponsored by the City of Albuquerque Department of Animal Welfare. All adoption fees will be waived and each adoption will include spay/neuter, microchip, required vaccinations, and one free initial vet visit. For dogs, you will also receive one free dog training class.

Take part in this year's Ceremony by carrying a banner from a founding family! Those interested can contact [email protected] for more information. The ancestors of the Founders will meet at the Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes statue at the corner of Romero St. and Charlevoix St. at 1 p.m. The procession of banners will make its way to the Gazebo at Plaza Vieja at 1:30 p.m. 

History 

Every April since 1988, the founding of Albuquerque has been celebrated by reflecting the historic eras: Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Territorial and Statehood. The celebration commemorates a unique and historic event: the birth of our city. The event honors Governor Cuervo y Valdes for his vision, and honors the first community. It also pays tribute to every generation that has contributed to the growth and prosperity of this enchanted city that was named the Villa de Albuquerque in 1706. The founding of Albuquerque is a success story worth celebrating. 

Getting to the Party

Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration is held in Historic Old Town. Streets around Old Town will be closed to traffic for the celebration. Please plan accordingly and be mindful of residents and all posted parking signs in the area. Free parking will be available at the Albuquerque Museum

 

Party Details

Albuquerque’s Birthday Celebration in Old Town is a rain or shine event. Well behaved pets on a leash are welcome. 

Opportunities for vending at Old Town events are reserved for Old Town Merchants. 

 

Old-Town-Logo- NEW

 


Thank you to our sponsors! 

 

94 Rock Logo The Peak Logo The Edge logo 2018 Big I Logo The Bull logo 2018HOT 95.1 2021 Power 100.9 Logo

 


Thank you for celebrating with us!

We appreciate all of the businesses, artists, and Albuquerque institutes that helped bring the fun to our 318th festivities! 

 


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