How many times can an audience shout “Viva México!”
Find out at Viva el Cinco de Mayo 2025 at Queens College’s Colden Auditorium on Sunday, May 4, at 3 pm.
This third annual family celebration features world-renowned ensembles performing traditional Mexican music and dance with colorful costumes and shoe-smacking choreography.
General admission is $20 with no fees.
Here’s some information on the performers.
Tlen Huicani
Hailing from Veracruz’s capital city Xalapa, this 51-year-old band has championed the harpa jarocha (folk harp), making it the centerpiece of their music. Founded in 1973, Tlen Huicani, whose name translates as “The Singers” from the indigenous Nahuatl language, was named Best Folk Group in Mexico by the Union of Music and Theater Critics.
Mariachi Real De Mexico
Founded in 1991 by Ramon Ponce and his son Ramon Ponce Jr., Mariachi Real De Mexico is a Grammy-winning group widely recognized as cultural ambassadors of Mariachi music.
Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York
BFMNY is a 42-year-old nonprofit dedicated to preserving and showcasing Mexican regional dances.
Special Guest
Mazatlán native José Adán Pérez is an expressive baritone with a rich, powerful voice. He’s an alumnus of the Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program at LA Opera, the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, and the Aspen Opera Theater.
Extra Special Guest
Alexander Ponce, who is still a few years away from being a teenager, is a fifth-generation member of Mariachi Real De Mexico. The son of the ensemble’s current director, Ramon Jr., Alexander made his debut at this same celebration last year. He has since performed at Times Square and 54 Below in New York City.
Colden Auditorium’s main entrance is at 153-49 Reeves Ave. in Flushing. Free parking lots are nearby.
The Kuperberg Center for the Arts presents Viva el Cinco de Mayo 2025 in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in New York.
Consulate Spokesperson Carlos Gerardo Izzo stated: “This celebration is more than a performance—it is a vibrant showcase of Mexico’s rich traditions, history, and artistic expression. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we honor the pride of our heritage and the profound contributions of the Mexican diaspora to the social and economic fabric of New York.”
Kupferberg Executive Director Jon Yanofsky added: “After the success of our past two Cinco de Mayo celebrations, we are thrilled to bring this family event back in 2025.”
Images: Kupferberg Center for the Arts