2026 National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts: Belén Escobedo, Juan Díes, and Víctor G. Pichardo | Special Presentation

This special presentation at the Mexican Cultural Institute celebrates Belén Escobedo, Juan Díes, and Víctor G. Pichardo, three Mexican artists named 2026 National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts. The evening will explore their personal and artistic journeys, the traditions that have shaped their work, and the importance of sustaining Mexican, Mexican-American, and borderlands folk and traditional arts.

The National Heritage Fellowships are the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Established in 1982, the program recognizes artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to preserving and carrying forward traditional cultural practices. The 2026 class brings the total number of fellowships to 502, spanning more than 200 art forms. The honorees will also offer demonstrations and performances representing their respective practices.

When: The page lists the event from October 1, 2026, through December 1, 2026.

Showtimes: The page lists a 7:00 p.m. start on October 1 and a 9:30 p.m. end on December 1.

Tickets: Free. RSVP is required.

Lineup: Belén Escobedo, Juan Díes, and Víctor G. Pichardo.

Featured artists: Belén Escobedo is honored for her work as a violinist and musician preserving the musical traditions of the Mexican-American Southwest. Juan Díes is recognized as a musician, folklorist, educator, and advocate for traditional music, particularly corridos and the musical traditions of Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Víctor G. Pichardo is honored for his artistic contributions and dedication to preserving and sharing traditional Mexican arts and cultural heritage.

Program: The artists will discuss their careers and influences, explain the traditions behind their work, and present special demonstrations and performances.

Venue: Mexican Cultural Institute.

Address: 2829 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009.

Category: Music.

Ages: Not specified.

Accessibility: Not specified.

Run time: Not specified.

More information: The page directs audiences to the National Endowment for the Arts pages for Belén Escobedo at https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/belen-escobedo and for Juan Díes and Víctor G. Pichardo at https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/juan-dies-victor-g-pichardo.