Recap of Day 1 at MXLAN

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Friday was a packed day of events for those going to MXLAN in McAllen, as families and people from outside of the Rio Grande Valley joined in the fun.

The first day of the event featured everything from concerts, a parade and a lot of fire.

Many families and people from outside the Valley joined in the fun.

“We like the colors, really like the ambiance, and just like to be outside and spend time in the community my wife and I," Felix Vasquez said.

This year's event is equally great for those returning and those coming for the first time.

“The Valley is growing in general, and more events like this are helping even grow more, and you get people out of the house and be out there with family or friends," Alvaro Canales said.

For others, it is about the culture.

“Growing up as a Latin family and going out and seeing exposure out in the community is nice to see, and the youth and seeing the community come together for it," Samantha Canales.

Some even traveled from Falfurrias to participate in the event's 5K race, like Vicente Garza.

“I enjoy it," Garza said. "I love running. I have been doing this for 31 years already, and I like this event."

Some even came from even farther to sell.

“We manufacture everything in León, Guanajuato," said Mayte Lopez Garcia from León, Guanajuato. "Of course, the raw material — the loom work — is made by women from communities in Chiapas, and these events help us showcase our work."

The City of McAllen says the event helps bring in more than $3 million.

“When looking at the numbers and the stats we have seen that 66% of the people that come to this event are from Hidalgo County, which means that 34% of them are traveling over fifty miles to come to this event and so we see ticket sales form Austin, San Antonio, Houston and we have ticket sales from Los Angeles, from San Diego, from New York," said Yahaira Flores, Director of Convention Facilities.

People like Felix Vasquez agree that MXLAN is the place to be this weekend.

“To me, it feels like the community is coming together," Vasquez said.

MXLAN will continue on Saturday and Sunday.