About Us
Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan
Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan
In 1969, West Michigan’s Mexican community was growing fast but had nowhere to gather — no place to dance folklórico, taste abuela’s tamales, hear mariachi carry across a plaza on a September night. Mrs. Maurila Blakely Ortiz decided that wasn’t acceptable. She founded the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan with one simple idea: bring our people together through the traditions, food, music, and art we carried from home.
Fifty-seven Septembers later, the mariachi still plays at Calder Plaza. What began as a neighborhood gathering is now a three-day festival drawing 30,000+ visitors from across Kent, Ottawa, and neighboring counties. Mrs. Ortiz’s simple idea turned into an institution.
Preserve and share Mexican culture in West Michigan through festivals, education, and community partnerships. Mexican traditions belong here. Every generation deserves access to them.
Festival Mexicano is our flagship. Three days, 30,000+ visitors, completely free admission:
Between festivals, MHAWM runs the Reinita Mexicana pageant — a cultural program for girls ages 5 to 18 that builds confidence through Mexican heritage. We also organize cultural workshops, partner with local schools, and support Mexican-owned small businesses across Kent County.
Specific outcomes that come out of every Festival Mexicano season and our year-round programming.
More specific impact numbers (school partnerships, workshop attendees, businesses supported) coming soon.
The volunteers who keep MHAWM’s mission moving throughout the year.
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Official photos and additional board details coming soon.
There are many ways to support MHAWM and be part of celebrating Mexican heritage.