The annual Abrazo en la Frontera celebration will return to the Big Bend region in November with three events highlighting the preservation of historic Ruidosa Church, the cultural heritage of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands and the work of featured artist Aurora Castellanos.
The events, scheduled for Nov. 12, 14 and 19, will take place in Marfa and Ruidosa, bringing together community members, preservation advocates and artists.
The celebration begins Thursday, Nov. 12, with “Enduring Adobe: Findings from the Ruidosa Church Historic Structure Report,” a presentation examining the historic church and efforts to preserve its adobe architecture.
The presentation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crowley Theater in Marfa.
The centerpiece of the celebration, the annual Ruidosa Church Community Day, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Ruidosa Church in Ruidosa, Texas.
The community gathering is part of the broader Abrazo en la Frontera initiative, which celebrates the region’s cultural identity and the historic church’s place in the borderlands community.
The festivities conclude Thursday, Nov. 19, with the Abrazo en la Frontera Showcase, scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at Do Right Hall in Marfa.
This year’s featured artist is Aurora Castellanos, whose work is highlighted in promotional materials for the celebration.
Ruidosa Church, located in the remote border community of Ruidosa in Presidio County, is an important part of the region’s architectural and cultural heritage. The historic adobe structure reflects traditional building practices associated with communities along the Rio Grande.
The November events will provide opportunities to learn about the church’s preservation, participate in the annual community celebration and explore artistic expressions connected to the border region.
