AFC@50: Corridos of the Semiquincentennial - Voices of Hope and Courage

The Mexican Cultural Institute invites you to "Corridos of the Semiquincentennial: Voices of Courage and Hope," a unique musical storytelling project. Developed by Juan Díes, folklorist, ethnomusicologist, and co-founder of the Grammy-nominated Sones de México Ensemble, this event celebrates eight national heroes through the creation and performance of new Mexican corridos.

Corridos are epic ballads and heroic tales dating back to the 1840s, known for narrating stories and celebrating remarkable acts of courage and defiance from a folk perspective. For this special performance, Juan Díes has composed corridos for figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhardt, Muhammad Ali, and Roberto Clemente.

This family-friendly presentation, narrated in both English and Spanish, combines live music, storytelling, visuals, and audience interaction. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about American heroes through a rich cultural lens. Juan Díes is also a 2026 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the nation's highest honor in the traditional arts.

This performance is free and open to the public at the Mexican Cultural Institute, located at 2829 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Registration is required to attend.