ABQ Times

Albuquerque's birthday celebration is set to take place in the heart of the city's historic Old Town as the Department of Arts & Culture gears up for a day filled with festivities to mark the city's 318th birthday on April 20.

The event, which is free to attend, promises a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of activities for all ages. As highlighted by the organizers, the celebration will feature live music, entertainment, and special offerings from various Old Town stores. According to the announcement, the celebration wouldn't be complete without these essential elements.

Among the scheduled performances, attendees can look forward to Ballet Folklorico Fiesta Mexicana, Mariachi Tenampa, and the captivating sounds of Baracutanga, a seven-piece band merging traditions from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and the U.S. to create a unique Latin flavor.

In addition to the music, local merchants will set up booths offering specialty items like salsa, soaps, and candles. Food enthusiasts will have a variety of options to choose from, including corn-on-the-cob, sticky rice, and the famous burgers cooked up by the San Felipe de Neri Church.

Furthermore, the event will feature a heartwarming initiative by Animal Welfare, providing attendees with the opportunity to adopt pets with waived fees, including essential services like spaying/neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, and a vet visit. Children can also enjoy free face painting throughout the celebration.

As part of the commemoration, a gathering of the ancestors of the Founders is planned, starting at the Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes statue and culminating in a procession to the Gazebo at Old Town Plaza.

The celebration holds special significance, honoring Albuquerque's rich historical eras and the contributions of generations past in shaping the city, originally known as Villa de Albuquerque in 1706.

To accommodate the festivities, streets surrounding the plaza will be closed to traffic, with limited parking available at the Albuquerque Museum. The event is made possible through the sponsorship of iHeart Radio.

Albuquerque's 318th birthday celebration is poised to bring together residents and visitors alike for a day of joy, cultural appreciation, and community spirit in the heart of the city's historic surroundings.