Old Town San Diego Cinco De Mayo Begins With Misa Azteca Music

Southwestern College Concert Choir will fill Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with the sounds of Joseph Julian Gonzalez’s Misa Azteca, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, May 4, following a preshow that begins at 6 p.m.

Meaning ‘Aztec Mass,’ Misa Azteca is based on the traditions of Roman Catholic Mass, yet features verses from the Cantares Mexicanos – a manuscript collection of Aztec songs and poems recorded in the 16th centur, which is  around the time of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. An orchestra, choir, soloists and pre-Columbian percussion instruments will accompany the spoken and sung portions of the celebration, which will be carried out in Latin, Spanish and Nahuatle (the language of the Aztecs).

Presently in its 48th consecutive season, the Southwestern College Concert Choir is comprised of 65 singers including members of the greater San Diego community, faculty, staff and alumni.  The Southwestern College Concert Choir was most recently featured with the New England Symphonic Ensemble at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The choir has also graced the stage of Notre Dame Cathedral, Sorbonne University in Paris and Australia’s renowned Sydney Opera House.

Southwestern College Concert Choir will fill Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town San Diego will have live entertainment and other events planned throughout the weekend, Friday, May 4 through 6.  Misa Azteca and a Red Bull Motocross exhibition will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, May 4. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 5 entertainment includes carnival rides for kids and Red Bull Fiesta de Futbol.  From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 6, entertainment includes Lucha Libre matches.

Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is located at Wallace and Calhoun streets, a one-block stroll from the Old Town Trolley Station in the northeast corner of the state park.

Category: Music