Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
November 3, 2023, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

As part of his exhibition Ruta Madre, Justin Favela presented his participatory performance piece Family Fiesta. In this ongoing project, the artist and his family threw an all-ages party featuring their favorite traditions.

This event offered the following activities free and open to all ages: piñata, food, music, dance, activities, and tabling from community organizations. Translators and educators who speak Spanish were available. The event began with music by DJ Andres Salas and food by Tacos El Paisa and El Chico Bakery, as well as an art activity by Yvonne Anguiano. Piñata time! Performances by Our Lady of Guadalupe dancers followed. The night ended with a second piñata.

Family Fiesta is a celebration with Justin Favela and his family! In this ongoing series of performances, the public is encouraged to participate in the celebration firsthand by enjoying food, drinks, music, games and piñata time. The events are taken out of the traditional context of park outings or backyard cookouts and performed in unconventional locations challenging people's expectations of a fiesta, and at the same time, dismantling notions of place and institutional inclusion.