Left: Chapman University’s student ensemble, Mariachi Panteras, perform at the festival each year. Right: Xipe Totec does an ancient aztec blessing
 

From Aztec dancers to spectacular mariachi, the Heartbeat of Mexico Festival has been celebrating Mexican and Mexican-American culture and arts with thousands of community members for the past seven years.

With two stages, a program jam-packed with music and dance, community organizations, live painting, and a chalk art contest, as well as a beer garden and crafts, there is something for everyone to join in the festivities! 

This year’s Heartbeat of Mexico Free Family Festival was on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and featured a variety of incredible artists. Stay tuned for information and announcements about next year's Heartbeat of Mexico Free Family Festival.

For complete program information for this past year's Heartbeat of Mexico Festival, click here.

KTLA: Heartbeat of Mexico Held in Orange (2023)

    
Left: Danza Azteca group Kalpulli Hueyatl Wanawna leads everyone in a traditional Aztec Blessing Ceremony. Right: Festival-goers dance to the cumbia punk rhythms of Los Waraperos.

For me as a Mexican American, it was really refreshing and heartwarming to see that they wanted to bring in our culture, which is so rich and family-oriented, to the campus.” 

– Dr. Gabriela Castañeda, Chapman University Latinx Achievement Director (Orange Coast Magazine)

     

     

From top left to bottom right: Son Rompe Pera, Gabriela Penka, El Sol Academy, Xipe Totec Danzantes Aztecas

“Festivals like Heartbeat of Mexico are essential to keep alive Mexican culture in the United States.” 

– Kinky (Voice of OC)