por 
ALFREDO AZCARATE VARELA
THE BAJA POST / EDITOR
The 4th National Dance Gathering in Mexicali—the «Mexico on the Border» National Folklore Festival (FNMEF)—begins on October 16th, when Baja California capital city will host several dance groups from other states, as Sonora, Baja California Sur, and Michoacán, as well as a group from California, two dance groups will be arriving from Sonora.
There will be approximately 14 dance groups—a mix of local ensembles and those from other states—comprising 160 dancers, which will generate an economic impact through spending on food and lodging, which is a big deal for some Mexicali businesses
“Mexico on the Border” will feature several local groups, such as Esplendor, Macehuani, Mexicali Magisterial, and the Cucapah Dance Group, among others. The festival will also extend to Los Algodones, where the children’s group «Danza Viva» will perform, according to Kathia Estaffany Flores Ríos of the FNMEF Organizing Committee.
Each group from other states will present various choreographies representing different regions. A gala will take place on Saturday, October 10th, and on Sunday, there will be a «Calabaceado» workshop at the Teatro Caldera, exclusively for dancers from the groups attending the Congress, led by instructor Ricardo Zavala.
The Director of the Municipal Institute of Culture, Ismael Castro, mentioned that a renovated venue in Los Algodones will be unveiled; the space already existed but has been refurbished to host dance performances.
Judith Ríos Castañeda, founder of the FNMEF, explained that the festival’s objective is to promote culture and traditions. She noted that our proximity to the United States allows us to preserve and share our Mexican traditions abroad, while also positioning Mexicali within a national context.
Mexicali has much to offer, and it is an honor to welcome 160 dancers. Although we lack specific funding for this festival, we have secured sponsorships and support from IMACUM and other organizations.
All events are completely free of charge. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, October 16th, at Cine Curto—an iconic landmark in the history of Mexicali. Approximately 250 people are expected to attend the inaugural event, including invited officials such as the Mayor of Mexicali, Norma Bustamante.
