¡Feliz cumpleaños! Albuquerque

Albuquerque's birthday would not be complete without a big party with food, fun, live music, and tons of local flair in the heart of the city, historic Old Town. And the City's Department of Arts & Culture has all that and more in store as it celebrates Albuquerque's 318th birthday on Saturday, April 20 from noon to 4 p.m. The event is free and will include birthday must-haves such as face painting, entertainment, and specials at a variety of participating Old Town stores.

Entertainment at the Gazebo will include Ballet Folklorico Fiesta Mexicana at noon followed by Mariachi Tenampa at 1 p.m. Baracutanga, with their exciting sound and Latin flavor, will take the Gazebo stage at 2 p.m. Baracutanga is a seven-piece band representing four different countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and the U.S.) that blends South American ancestral traditions with a modern sensibility.

A number of Old Town merchants will have booths around the Gazebo selling specialty items like salsa, soaps, and candles. Plenty of food options will be available ranging from corn-on-the-cob to sticky rice, and the San Felipe de Neri Church will be cooking up their famous burgers in their courtyard. Several Old Town restaurants will also be serving their signature plates.

Animal Welfare with be there with adoptable pets. All adoption fees will be waived and each adoption will include spay/neuter, microchip, required vaccinations, and one free initial vet visit. Kids can enjoy free face painting.

The ancestors of the Founders will meet at the Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes statue at the corner of Romero St. and Charlevoix St. at 1 p.m. The procession of banners will make its way to the Gazebo at Old Town Plaza at 1:30 p.m. Those interested in participating in the procession can contact [email protected] for more information.

Since 1988, every April has marked the commemoration of the founding of Albuquerque, a tradition that reflects the city's rich historical eras: Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Territorial, and Statehood. This celebration holds special significance as it marks the birth of our esteemed city. The city recognizes the generations that have contributed to the development and prosperity of Albuquerque, originally named the Villa de Albuquerque in 1706.

Streets around the plaza will be closed to traffic. Limited parking will be available at the Albuquerque Museum.

Albuquerque's Birthday Celebration is sponsored by iHeart Radio.