Family Festival: LA and Mexico in Focus at Getty Center

Bring the whole family to a vibrant lineup of mariachi, ballet folklórico, bilingual storytelling, and hands-on workshops celebrating how a single instant—a photograph—can hold a lifetime of stories and memories. This free, daylong Getty Family Festival, inspired by the exhibitions Instante/revelación: Moments in Mexican Photography and Every Minute Is History: Five Views of Los Angeles, honors the moments and revelations of Mexican culture as well the Chicano/a communities in Los Angeles.

Schedule of Events

Performances

Museum Courtyard

10–11am: DJ 11–11:45am: Academia de Danza BFFM and Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo 12:15–1pm: El Santo Golpe 1:30pm–2:30pm: Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles 3pm–3:45pm: Academia de Danza BFFM and Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo 4:15pm–5pm: El Santo Golpe

Academia de Danza BFFM and Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo Experience the vivid energy and rich tapestry of Mexican heritage through a captivating showcase by Academia de Danza BFFM and Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo. This energetic performance takes audiences on a regional journey across Mexico, bringing to life the distinctive rhythms, vivid costumes, and unique footwork of Chiapas, Veracruz, Baja California, Jalisco, and Sonora. Weaving these traditional dances together, acclaimed mariachi singer Danny Muñoz will accompany the dancers with live, powerful vocals, forming an unforgettable celebration of community, history, and cultural pride.

El Santo Golpe El Santo Golpe, an electrifying AfroLatin music collective led by artivist and Mexican songwriter Ulises Rodríguez, brings the vivid soul of the AfroLatin diaspora to stages globally. Their performances flow with rhythm, movement, and storytelling, weaving a musical web that links the festival’s celebration of Mexican photography to the longstanding traditions of the African diaspora across Latin America.

Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, America’s pioneering all-female mariachi ensemble founded in 1994, infuses the mariachi tradition with beauty and spirit. Guided by ranchera legend Lola Beltrán and Maestro José Hernández, they have released three albums and performed for audiences including Barack and Michelle Obama. Now, their trailblazing technique and generations of mariachi history take center stage at the Getty Center.

Storytelling

Various Locations 11:45am: Los Licenciados | Tram Arrival Plaza 12:45pm: Storytelling with Josué Cuentacuentos | Upper Garden 1:15pm: Los Licenciados | In front of the Museum 2:15pm: Los Licenciados | Tram Arrival Plaza 3:15pm: Los Licenciados | In front of the Museum 3:30pm: Storytelling with Josué Cuentacuentos | Upper Garden

Storytelling with Josué Cuentacuentos 45-minute peformances Bilingual storyteller Josué Cuentacuentos (Josué Martínez) weaves together original interactive stories that celebrate family and the Latino experience in both Spanish and English. His lively performance invites families of all ages to laugh, sing, and discover their own stories reflected in the images and legends he brings to life.

Los Licenciados 30-minute performances As you wander the gardens or step off the tram, let the soulful sounds of Los Licenciados accompany you. This local quintet brings the romantic, guitar-driven bolero tradition that once swept Mexico and Latin America to life, turning your walk through the Getty Center into a moving serenade.

Workshops

All Day

Rótulo Workshop with Melissa Govea Museum Courtyard Join artist Melissa Govea for a vibrant Rótulo Workshop to explore the colorful world of Mexican sign painting. Discover the traditions and techniques behind rótulo art as you create your own expressive sign that celebrates identity and community.

Lotería Hat Workshop with Marianne Sadowski Museum Entrance Inspired by the traditional Mexican Lotería game, participants will create paper hats and original cards featuring colorful imagery inspired by two museum photography exhibitions. Visitors can learn Spanish words through this fun, interactive activity. Join a traditional game of Lotería at a table near the workshop.

Mapping Our Memories Printmaking Workshop with Mujeres de Maiz/ Liliflor Art Family Room Patio (between the entrance to the East and South Pavilions) Join Liliflor Art for Mapping Our Memories, an interactive printmaking workshop. Experiment with foam plates and layered monoprints to connect photography with family memories, migration, identity, landmarks, and place. Print your designs on paper, maps, or photographic reproductions to create a personal artwork to take home or add to a collective display for visitors to enjoy. This flexible activity welcomes families, youth, and adults.