Imex Live Events is bringing the culture of Chihuahua, Mexico to Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix this December with the Spirits of Mexico Culture & Tourism Festival.

Taking place Dec. 2-3, the event is about fully immersing yourself in Chihuahua’s culture through their Agave Spirits Mezcal & Tequila, music, tourism opportunities and more. General admission tickets are $45 and come with a recycled engraved shot glass and 10 sampling tickets to taste the spirits. 

Yamin Quezada, founder of Imex Live Events, was born in Texas but raised in Chihuahua before moving to El Paso when she was about 18. She moved to the Valley in 2019 and fell in love with Arizona.

“We are privileged to be in this part of history where the Phoenix community is very open, inclusive and supportive of the Hispanic community,” Quezada said. “I feel very welcome in the community and have a lot of support from the city of Phoenix, small business owners, etc. It’s very nice to see how open Phoenix is to embracing our culture.” 

The idea for Imex Live Events came about celebrating Mexican culture and connecting the local community to its roots. The goal is to have this event annually in Arizona as well as expanding to different spots around the nation. Each year one of the 32 states that make up Mexico will be represented. 

“Every year we’re going to change the state and replicate the event with that state,” Quezada said. “Every year you’ll get to find out about a new destination and travel to that state through the events.”

With their culturally conscious events they’re promoting sustainable tourism. The idea is to have tour operators at each event.

“If you fall in love with what you see at the event you can discover a lot of new adventures in that state. Say you decide you want to go, you can connect with the locals,” Quezada said. “We’re promoting sustainable tourism, meaning that instead of booking on Expedia and probably staying at a big chain hotel, you have the opportunity to help the community and directly connect with the locals. You’ll get a trip where you get to really know the state and have that local experience.”

At the Spirits of Mexico Culture & Tourism Festival, you’ll get to go on a journey, discover everything about Chihuahua while enjoying authentic drinks, music and food. By bringing people who are from that state in Mexico, they’re able to not only provide a true representation of the culture, but they’re also giving these businesses the opportunity to connect with the community and grow. 

“The main thing is to give us a chance. I know we have a lot of bad publicity in Mexico about being one of the most dangerous countries to visit, but give us a chance. We have a lot of things to offer and there’s always more good people than bad people,” Quezada said. “Just visit the event and I promise you’re going to fall in love with something from the tourism to the culture, food and spirits, you’ll find something there.”

Tickets can be purchased online here. The Heritage Square will be decked out for the festivities, along with Mariachi, Folklorico, Tourism Loteria Games. Registration is first come, first serve for the cooking class.

“This is like a family hosting a big party for all the neighbors,” Quezada added.

Heritage Square is located at 113 N. 6th St.

For more information about the event, visit imexliveevents.com.