Mexican Dance Festival Marks Half-Century of Irish

By Jean Daly

A lively celebration of music, dance, and international friendship took over the Bailey Allen Hall recently as University of Galway’s Mexican Society hosted a major cultural festival.

The event marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Mexico, celebrated from 1975–2025, and raised funds for Enable Ireland.

Organised in partnership with the Mexican Community of Galway, the festival drew a large crowd to the university campus for an evening centered on cultural performances and community support.

Founded in 2023, the Mexican Society has quickly established itself as one of the university’s most active cultural groups. It’s membership now stands at around 150 people, including but not limited to those of Mexican origin, reflecting its mission to create an open space where anyone can explore and enjoy Mexican culture.

The festival was the society’s most ambitious event to date. Bringing together performers, students, local residents, and invited guests for an evening that blended music, dance and celebration

The festival’s programme showcased the rich array of Mexican heritage, with 14 dance performances and four singers representing traditional styles from across Mexico.

“We wanted to give people a taste of the north, south, east and west,” said event organiser Mayra. The night included northern polka, mariachi music from the west, Aztec dance from central Mexico, and the energetic son style from the south.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when singer and harpist Vanessa Lazo performed the Irish song An Raicín Álainn.

Her emotional rendition created a symbolic bridge between Irish and Mexican culture earned warm applause from the crowd. “It meant a lot to see Irish and Mexican traditions blending so beautifully,” organisers said.

Several renowned cultural groups took part, including Galway’s own Aztec Dance Group Ometeotl and Dublin-based groups Calpulli Mictlan and Ballet Folklórico Raíces de México.

Many of the performers were international students, representing countries such as Croatia, Spain, Vietnam, and Sweden

According to organisers, this diversity reflects a well-known saying: “Mexicans are born wherever they want.” They described it as a joy to share Mexican traditions with friends from around the world.

The event also welcomed two special guests, David Niland, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Galway, and Tomás Olvera Chargé d’affaires and acting head of the Mexican Embassy in Ireland. Their attendance underscored the significance of the 50-year diplomatic relationship being celebrated. around the world.

As well as celebrating a milestone, the festival raised funds for Enable Ireland’s Galway Region. This is the second time the Mexican Society has partnered with Enable Ireland, an organisation they say they admire for its commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and support for people with disabilities.

“We wanted to give back to the Galway community that has welcomed us so warmly,” organisers said. “Supporting Enable Ireland is one way of showing that appreciation.”

For members of the Mexican Society, “taking part in a milestone celebration of this scale was a source of pride.”

They said the event highlighted the value of cultural sharing and the strong community spirit present both on campus and in Galway.

“It was an honor to showcase our culture and traditions,” they said. “Events like this remind us how dance and music can bring people together, no matter where they come from.”

The society emphasised that its doors remain open to everyone with an interest in Mexican culture. They hope that the success of the festival will inspire more students and locals to join their activities in the future.