Albuquerque Communities Celebrate Global Cultures at Singing Arrow Multicultural Arts Festival
Residents from across the City sample global traditions through music, dance, and fine art.
ALBUQUERQUE - District 9 City Councilor Renée Grout, the City of Albuquerque Youth and Family Services Department, along with the Singing Arrow Park and Community Center hosted a vibrant gathering for the 2026 Singing Arrow Multicultural Arts Festival.
The event drew residents from across the city to celebrate global traditions through music, dance, and fine art. The weather provided a great backdrop for the festival with cool breezes and plenty of sun.
A perfect Saturday event with family-friendly entertainment, local food trucks, local artisan wares on display - and for sale - and a "Kids’ Corner" with games, emphasizing the City’s commitment to youth engagement and safe recreational programming.
The festival grounds were alive with activity from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a main stage in the park with performances by Baila Baila, the Quang Minh Temple Lion Dance, Omenka Cultural Group, and Ka La Kapu Polynesian Dancers. Inside the community center, attendees explored an art show showcasing local talent plus a diverse cultural musical program ranging from the Hornet Steel Band and Sandia Sound to Celtic melodies and traditional clogging.
"Today’s festival was a beautiful expression of what makes Albuquerque such a unique place to call home," said Councilor Renée Grout. "Beyond the incredible performances and art, this event highlights the vital work our Community Center staff does every day to provide a safe, joyful space for our children. I was particularly moved by the creativity shown in our youth art contest—seeing these young people express their cultural identities through art reminds us of the strength found in our diversity."
The centerpiece of the day was the recognition of the 2026 Art Contest winners. Students from community centers throughout Albuquerque submitted original works reflecting their cultural identity. The Grand Prize winner, Delilah Gaffney of the Dennis Chavez Community Center, received $100 in art supplies and a gift card from “Kiln It.” Delilah’s winning design is featured on the official event t-shirt.
2026 Art Contest Award Recipients
Grand Prize Winner
Delilah Gaffney – Dennis Chavez Community Center
5-8 Year-Old Category
1st: Russell Comeaux (West Mesa) | 2nd: Jordan Annankra (Holiday Park) | 3rd: Genesis Casados
(Marie Hughes Play-Plus)
9-12 Year-Old Category
1st: Katia Hatein (Griegos Play-Plus) | 2nd: Juliana Arantra Perez Zerpa (Emerson Elementary) | 3rd:
Maevyn Haynes (Los Duranes)
13-18 Year-Old Category
1st: Dylan Tena (Highland High School) | 2nd: Giavani Castelluzz (Holiday Park) | 3rd: Danyel Ivan
Pacheco Cabral (Mesa Verde)
View photos from the 2026 Singing Arrow Multicultural Arts Festival