The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) presents La Mujer: A Celebration of Women. In its 14th year, the ESB MACC’s annual La Mujer event celebrates women and women-identifying individuals in Austin’s Mexican American and Latina/o/x/e community.
This event is on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. It is a free event that is open to all ages, gender identities, and cultural identities where women can be seen, heard, and empowered. Free workshops and activities focus on wellness, women in justice, know-your-rights, and all-local visual and performing arts groups. There is a focus on uplifting and hiring women for all roles of this event, including our graphic design, sound engineer, etc!
La Mujer: A Celebration of Women
Saturday, April 26, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Event Location: Parque Zaragoza
2608 Gonzales St, Austin, TX 78702
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE – OUTDOOR STAGE
12:00 DJ Helios: hyping up the vibe with reggaeton/ Latin tunes
12:30 Teatro Vivo & the Indigenous Cultures Institute
1:30 Oro Dance Company: Afro-Latin all-female dance group
2:00 Stephanie Valenzuela: Tejano Idol singer from Austin
3:00 Andrea Daniela y Su Sabor: Latin fusion singer
4:00 The Tiarras: Austin’s favorite cumbia rock sister trio
All events, activities and workshops at La Mujer are free! This event will bring together women artisans, activists, and community builders!
It will feature special appearances by Judge Bianca Garcia, Judge Denise Hernandez, Judge Sandy Avila Ramirez, and Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes.
It will feature an artist marketplace by Frida Friday ATX, and free hands-on activities and workshops for all ages.
We are happy to announce policy consultant for the State of Texas, Jenn Saenz, as our Master of Ceremonies!
FRIDAY FRIDAY ATX – OUTDOOR ART MARKET
We are excited to partner with Friday Friday ATX Artisan Marketplace with TK Tunchez and Las Ofrendas! Frida Friday ATX is an economic movement of intersectional marketplaces & cultural spaces centering Latinx, BIPOC & queer folks. A great opportunity to shop & support local businesses!
The market will be open throughout the event, 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
PUBLIC ART SELECTED ARTISTS (Art in Public Places/ AIPP)
Kat Talley and Ruben Esquivel, the selected artists for the Art In Public Places Phase II sculptural project at the ESB-MACC will be engaging the community during the La Mujer event. The artists will inform and gather inspiration from the public, as they work towards the completion of their Conceptual Design. Participants will be able to learn more about the artists’ goals as well as share their own personal ESB-MACC stories.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE – INDOORS & OUTDOORS
12:00-1:00 pm: Frida Friday ATX market, arrive at 12pm to choose your workshops (The market is open 12-5pm!)
1:00 Yoga Workshop (outdoor), Sound Healing Workshop (indoor)
2:00 Yoga Workshop (outdoor), Afro-Cuban Dance Workshop (indoor)
3:00 Pilates Workshop (outdoor), Bookbinding with Diana Lizette Rodriguez (indoor)
3:00 Equity Workshop – Austin Stories (indoor)
4:00 Activities Indoors and Outdoors during the headliners – The Tiarras, on the main stage from 4-5pm!
Aneika Perez, Yoga Instructor
Yoga in the Park
1:00pm-2:00pm -OR- 2:00-3:00pm
Workshop Leader: Aneika Perez
Outside – Parque Zaragoza
A gentle yoga class that invites you to soften the mind, restore your nervous system & reconnect with your inner flow. Through breath, movement, & sound we’ll create space for clarity and calm. Allow yourself to be held in a sanctuary of stillness-a sacred pause to nurture your body, mind, & spirit. No experience needed! Please bring a yoga mat, towel, or blanket. Pre-register on Eventbrite!
Andrea Cortez, Mind Body Music Center Sound Healing
1:00-2:00pm
Workshop Leader: Andrea Cortez, Mind Body Music Center
Inside Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center- Classroom #1
Rest and restore in this sound healing session and enjoy renewed energy for your mind and body. Playing the harp and singing bowls, music therapist Andrea Cortez will guide you through deep breathing, slowing down, and a serene connection to heart opening music. Andrea brings in elements of traditional healing of Mesoamerica, incorporating the sound medicine wheel. Participants will be sitting on the floor or in chairs. Please bring a yoga mat, towel, or blanket. Pre-register on Eventbrite!
Exploring the Diversity of Cuban Folklore
2:00-3:00pm
Workshop Leader: Oro Dance Company
Inside Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center -Gymnasium
Join us for an engaging workshop that delves into the rich diversity of Cuban folklore. Explore the meaning and history behind these vibrant dance traditions and gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence of African culture on Cuban folklore, as seen in many Latinx dance forms. Open to all experience levels, ages, and genders. Immerse yourself in the movements of the Orishas, Rumba Guaguancó! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Pre-register on Eventbrite!
Empoderadas Event PartnerPilates
3:00pm-4:00pm
Workshop Leader: Empoderadas Gym
Outside – Parque Zaragoza
Our Pilates class is designed to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, enhance overall body awareness while having fun and an energetic playlist. This class focuses on controlled movements, breathwork, and proper alignment to build strength without bulk, leaving you feeling balanced and refreshed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our instructor will guide you through a series of mat-based exercises that will challenge and empower your body. Come ready to move, stretch, and leave feeling stronger, longer, and more connected to your body! Please bring a yoga mat, towel, or blanket. Pre-register on Eventbrite!
BookBinding
3:00-4:00pm
Workshop Leader: Diana Lizette Rodriguez
Inside- Classroom #1
Join us on for a meditative bookbinding workshop exploring the ideas of stillness, growth and transformation. We will experience writing exercises, visual art forms & questions to move through these ideas/concepts, to understand what it means for each participant to have forms of transformation in moments of stillness. This transformation can mean healing, letting go and growing out of old patterns, thoughts and habits. The stillness can be a breath. A moment of time which we fossilize. Out of these exercises and contemplations we will be learning how to make a book. Together we will bind and learn the patterns of stitching together paper. The workshop is free and open to all ages. Pre-register on Eventbrite!
Austin Stories: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Joy 3:00pm
Workshop Leader: Alejandra Mireles and Natalie Hulsey
Inside- Classroom 2.
Come explore Austin’s past—and share your own story! In this 45-minute self-paced activity, you’ll walk through a gallery of powerful events that show how race and culture have shaped Austin. Watch real videos from the Austin History Center, read about important moments on a community timeline, and even add your own family’s history. You’ll also have the chance to record your story and celebrate the culture, memories, and joy that make Austin special. This is a chance to reflect, learn, and help shape a fuller picture of Austin—past, present, and future. Everyone’s story matters. What’s yours? Facilitated by the Alejandra Mireles and Natalie Hulsey of the City of Austin’s Office of Equity and Inclusion.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES- OUTDOORS
We will also be hosting several community organizations and groups that will be offering resources. Past groups have included voter registration, health clinics, and local non-profits:
– Austin History Center
– Amigos de Parque Zaragoza
– Judge Sandra Avila Ramirez
– League of Women Voters – Austin Area
– Office of Equity and Inclusion- City of Austin
– Johnston High School Alumni
– We All Belong, City of Austin Communications and Public Information Office
– Business and Community Leaders of Texas (BCL)
MACC EDUCATION- OUTSIDE/ NEXT TO PLAYGROUND
The MACC Education team will be leading free activities for all ages. Caminos Teens will be leading mini paintings inspired by Mexican talavera (tile). MACC Education will be leading jewelry making including beaded bracelets and keychains, and color your own mujer-themed sticker!
FOOD TRUCKS- OUTDOORS
El Mana- Mexican Food
Mission Dogs- hot dogs
CinnamonSugar- sweet treats
If you need more information or want to participate in this event, email Estrella.DeLeon@austintexas.gov.