Springtime in El Paso heralds the return of a local tradition, the Poppies Fest at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. As the slopes of the Castner Range begin to transform with the vibrant hues of Mexican Gold Poppies, this year marks the event's 18th annual celebration. A statement from El Paso Museum of Archaeology Director Sebastian Ribas-Normand highlighted the festival's value, saying, "We are proud to host this beloved annual tradition in honor of our poppies," as obtained by the City of El Paso, Ribas-Normand emphasized the opportunity Poppies Fest offers for the community "to come together, support local arts and performers, and learn about protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the Franklin Mountains."
This year's festivities are set to extend across the Saturdays of March, from March 8 to March 29. The museum has scheduled a diverse array of free activities that promise to cater to varied tastes. Each Saturday promises to unveil a new theme, complete with distinct performances, interactive activities, and a lineup of local artisans and food trucks. A special emphasis has been placed on education, with live art demonstrations intended to freshly engage visitors each week.
The lineup for the Poppies Fest includes Native American Day on March 8, focusing on regional cultural contributions, Go Local! All Things El Paso! day on March 15, which showcases local talent and businesses; Fiesta Time! on March 22, offering a taste of tradition with folklórico performances, and the 3rd Annual Poppies Walk on March 29, designed to promote active community engagement and wellness. Each event is scheduled to take place from 10 AM to 3 PM.
