Originally published in the San Antonio Current.
You don’t have to look far to see Frida Kahlo’s signature brows stitched across a tote bag, dangling from earrings or painted on a prayer candle like the Virgin De Guadalupe.
These days, it seems that there is something pressingly important about the commercial urgency to reproduce her likeness and diffuse it. While one can attribute this phenomena to consumer culture seizing the popularity of identity politics—Frida being a marketable queer, Latinx, differently-abled, feminist— Kahlo’s legacy cannot be diminished by her commodification. This is clear to the many who deify her.
Kahlo, a Cancer queen, was born July 6 in 1907. To celebrate all that is Frida, check out one of the local events happening this week in honor of her birthday.
(Courtesy photo)
July 5 & 6 – Frida Cookie & Cake Baking Classes
Have you ever wanted to make and eat dessert that looks just like Frida Kahlo? On July 5, try your hand at making a Frida cake using buttercream and fondant. If cake is not really your thing, go for the shortbread cookie class on July 6.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Over The Top Cake Supplies, 1010 NW Loop 410. $40.
July 7 – Frida Birthday Bash
Light a candle at the Frida altar and ring in her 111th birthday with a night of vendors, art, fashion and food. There will be a gallery illustrating the high points of Frida and Diego Rivera’s relationship. Plus a photo booth and flower crown-making that you can stow away for Halloween.
7 to 11 p.m., Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex, 108 Blue Star. Free.
July 7 – Arte y Pasion’s Frida
The renowned flamenco and Spanish dance company will be putting on a theatrical display honoring the memory of Frida Kahlo.
8 to 11 p.m., Carmen’s de la Calle Cafe, 320 N Flores St.
July 7 – Viva la Frida
For music, artisans, a piñata, birthday cake, specialty drinks and a rousing game of pin the unibrow on Frida, head on over to the second annual Viva la Frida at the Frida-inspired cafe. There will also be a flower crown and succulent clay pot workshops for $20.
5 to 10 p.m., Casa Azul de Andrea, 1036 S Alamo.
(Photo: Jaime Monzon, ThrowYourHandsInTheAir.com)
July 14 & 15 – Frida Fest
The third annual two-day, family-friendly Frida Fest will feature a one of a kind digital photo gallery by the Frida Project, a handmade mercado, fashion, music, performances, and culinary offerings. Featured entertainment by Grupo Folklorico de Bendiciones, and Las Monas Performance Group. Fashion designs by Gennifer Erika Velasquez.
12 to 6 p.m., Wonderland of the Americas Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd. Free.
