El Puente Festival, the largest free Latiné and Indigenous performing arts event at Tempe Center for the Arts, returns on Sunday, April 21 from 2 to 6 p.m. 

Celebrating its 12th year of highlighting up and coming youth performing artists alongside professional groups, this annual event presented by Cultural Coalition features mariachis, storytellers, ballet folklórico, puppets and theater — all for free, a press release explained

“El Puente,” which is Spanish for bridge, has a unique place in the spring line-up of arts events in the Valley.

While there are many festivals featuring the visual arts, this festival shines a light on the performing arts, specifically music, dance and storytelling, to show how Latiné and Indigenous cultures pass down their cultural artistic traditions and connect generations, the release stated. 

Youth groups of musicians and dancers come from elementary schools, high schools, colleges, after school programs and professional studios.

For the first time ever, Cultural Coalition is activating every space of Tempe Center for the Arts with the performing arts for El Puente, the release detailed. There will be free performances inside the theater, studio, Lakeside Room and North Patio. 

Accompanying these scheduled performances will be free arts and craft activities in the lobby and art gallery, free bilingual books from the Barrio Book Mobile in the Breezeway, and delicious bites and treats from local food trucks parked outside.

Everyone is invited to come enjoy this free family-friendly event and stay until the end to join in the fun for the signature community procession over the Tempe Pedestrian Bridge, the release stated. 

Led by Cultural Coalition Artistic Director and Master Sculptor Zarco Guerrero’s Quetzalcoatl Dragon Puppet, the procession is a lively, colorful parade of drums, costumes and giant puppets. 

Each year festival attendees are invited to participate in the parade celebration, wear the masks they made or carry the art they created during the event and be part of the annual El Puente Festival community photo on the other side of the bridge. 

While all performances at the festival are free, those in the studio and theater require a free ticket which can be reserved at the TCA Box Office at tempecenterforthearts.com/events/tca-box-office. 

Limited tickets are available at the door while supplies last. Visit the El Puente event page at culturalcoalition.com/elpuente/ for more.