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 2026 National Heritage Fellows Belén Escobedo, Juan Díes, and Víctor G. Pichardo. The artists will discuss their personal and creative journeys, the traditions that have shaped their work, and the importance of sustaining Mexican folk and traditional arts in the United States. The evening will also include demonstrations and performances offering insight into their respective art forms.

The National Heritage Fellowships, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, are the nation’s highest honor for folk and traditional artists. Established in 1982, the program recognizes artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to preserving traditional arts. The 2026 class brings the total number of fellowships to 502, representing artists working in more than 200 distinct art forms.

When: October 1, 2026, through December 1, 2026

Showtimes: 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: Free. RSVP is required.

Lineup: Belén Escobedo, a violinist and musician recognized for carrying forward the musical traditions of the Mexican-American Southwest; Juan Díes, a musician, folklorist, educator, and advocate for traditional music, particularly corridos and the musical traditions of Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands; and Víctor G. Pichardo, recognized for his artistic contributions and commitment to preserving and sharing traditional Mexican arts and cultural heritage.

Program: The honorees will share their stories, discuss the traditions behind their work, and present demonstrations and performances.

Category: Music

Venue: Mexican Cultural Institute

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