Written and produced by Marissa Orr.
Tucson is full of multiculturalism, and within the history of this city are roots of Latino heritages.
With a population of over 500,000 people, about 45% identified as Latinos according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Of the Latinos within Tucson, Chicanos represent a part of the population.
Chicano was at first a racial slur used towards Mexican-Americans, according to History.com. After years of discrimination in the early 20th century, Mexican-American revolutionaries took the name with pride and protested for their rights through the Chicano Movement, also known as “El Movimiento.”
In order to highlight Chicano culture in this desert city, the Cultura and Chicano Vibez Festival was created, said Ari Luna, a business owner and coordinator of the event.
The Cultura and Chicano Vibez Festival is an annual free family-friendly two-day event that recognizes Chicano roots in the community. This event takes place within the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, which is an expansion of the Mercado San Agustín.
At this year’s 3rd Annual Cultural and Chicano Vibez Festival, there were Chicano food trucks and vendors selling products like jewelry, clothing, boots, and artwork. Day one included b-boy dance battles, live graffiti art and music. Day two included a lowrider car show, performances, and a fashion show.
Newly added to this year’s event was the Mijente El Chisme Tour. Mijente stands for mi gente plus justicia combined, my people plus justice. Mijente is a group that educates communities about political topics while fighting for Latinx rights and justice.
At the Cultura and Chicano Vibez Festival, someone speaks to the community about the history of Chicano culture. In the past years Dr. Roberto Cintli Rodriguez, author, journalist and associate professor emeritus in the department of Mexican American studies, was chosen to participate in that spoken word. After his passing in 2023, the event continues to honor the University of Arizona professor’s legacy through teaching the community about his time during the Chicano Movement and the support he gave to Tucson, Luna said
Ari Luna
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Ari Luna embodies the city’s vibrant spirit. A University of Arizona alumnus with a degree in Education, Ari’s passion for fashion led her to pivot and pursue her dreams.
Starting in 2013 at “The Underestimated City” (TUC), a Tucson-based brand celebrating the city’s hidden gems. Ari expanded her entrepreneurial ventures with “La Bella Luna Boutique,” a women’s clothing line featuring unique styles and custom streetwear.
After relocating from historic Fourth Avenue, TUC now thrives at the MSA Annex, where Ari merges fashion, education, and community. This fusion inspired the Cultura X Chicano Vibez Festival, solidifying Ari’s impact on Tucson’s cultural landscape.
Through her endeavors, Ari remains dedicated to empowering women and celebrating Tucson’s rich heritage.
