Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

WHAT: The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center in collaboration with Curator Dr. Puente Para La Gente and artist Ali Friedrich present an exhibition and plática titled “Is Fiesta Racist? It’s Complicated, So Let’s Talk About It”. on Friday, April 18, at 6 pm.
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Puente Para La Gente, with Dr. Lilliana Saldaña, Dr. Laura Hernández-Ehrisman and AITSCM Ânua Reyes as committed panelists.
Journalist Alejandra Arredondo is joining us as moderator.

WHO: Dr. Puente's interest in this subject was sparked when she learned about the highly controversial 2015 medal “Fiesta is Racist” that exploded on The Esperanza Peace and Justice Facebook page. In the ten years since issuing the 2015 “Fiesta is Racist” medal, more attention has been paid to the historical grievances associated with Fiesta S.A. due to the work of artists, writers, and scholar-activists' critical analysis of Fiesta S.A. And now, in 2025, the artist behind the controversial work, Ali Friedrich, has reproduced the medal in conjunction with an art show at Chingarté Gallery at Blue Star Arts Complex titled “It’s Complicated: Fiesta is Racist. A Performative Commentary of Fiesta S.A. Pop-up Shop, Art Show, and Fiesta Medal Sale”

WHERE: This exhibition and plática will be held at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center building at 922 San Pedro Ave.

WHEN: Exhibition opening 6pm.
Plática starts at 6:30pm

WHY: The plática invites both Anti-Fiesta and Pro-Fiesta supporters to come together to talk about history, community and perhaps even offer some solutions (and have some laughs). We hope this discussion will serve as a small effort to understand our complex history through artistic expression in a safe, joyful and respectful space.