Texas Border Business
Every summer, the cicadas emerge from the ground to give the performance of their life. On Thursday July 18, 2024, cicadas will be celebrated at Quinta Mazatlán, 600 Sunset Drive from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to celebrate Chicharra Fest.
The cicada, referred to locally as chicharra, is an insect that can live underground for anywhere from 1-17 years. It is the loudest insect in the world and can really drown out other noises. Cicadas use two drum-like chambers in their body called timbals to make a sound. They have stout bodies, broad heads, large eyes and very distinctive clear membraned wings.
During the festival, children will have the opportunity to learn about cicadas as they do fun arts and crafts activities such as: coloring at the art easel station; learn at the interactive chicharra noise station; make their own chicharra kazoo to represent how the timbals work and make some noise of their own.
The quarter-mile trail will have large, six-foot-tall pages from the book “Cicada Symphony” by Lisa Kobman. The book represents the life of 17-year cicadas, Brood X by showcasing a children friendly story using rhyming verses and fun facts as a way to describe the life cycle of the cicada. After walking the trail, enjoy a live jazz concert by BackBeat.
All will enjoy the local food and drinks from vendors like Twin’s Funnel Bar; Randerie’s Freshly Squeezed Lemonade; La Garaffa Nieve Artesinal; and Frescas. Free parking will be located at 1400 Wichita Ave. ,where a charter bus will bring guests to the entrance of Quinta Mazatlán. Trips will start at 5:30 p.m. and run until 9:30 p.m.
Tickets for this event are $5 and can be purchased at www.quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.