Rayenari Lights Festival: Connecting Technology, Culture, And Art

Come, step into the night and be bathed in the glow of a thousand stories.

Rayènari—a word that means sun in the Rarámuri language—invites you to a first-time experience unlike anything you've seen before. On Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd, the Sunland Park Sports Complex will transform into a luminous celebration of art, technology, and culture. From 6 PM to midnight, the stars won’t just shine in the sky; they’ll come alive through radiant sculptures, neon installations, and interactive works that blur the line between light and magic.

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This festival isn’t just about art—it’s about connection. As the flicker of neon bounces off the walls, as projections dance across the landscape, you’ll feel the heartbeat of the Borderplex region come alive in every piece. Artists from El Paso, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and beyond will display their work, inviting you to engage, reflect, and be inspired. From sculptures to DJ sets, cultural performances to live poetry, Rayènari stitches together threads of our shared heritage, blending ancient traditions with the modern pulse of light and sound.

And it’s not just for watching—it’s for doing. You can roll up your sleeves and get hands-on at the print-making workshop provided by Horned Toad Prints, or explore student exhibitions from UTEP, EPCC, and the Gadsden School District. It’s a space where curiosity leads the way, and discovery waits in every glowing corner.

A Glimpse of What Awaits:

Rayènari will feature light-based works from a stellar lineup of artists, including:

• Angel Cabrales (El Paso)
• Derek Caulfield (El Paso)
• David Elias Delgado (El Paso)
• Ivan Esparza (El Paso)
• Dina Perlasca (El Paso)
• Michael Pino (Quannumthrows) (Albuquerque)
• Tim Readon (Dr. Neon) (Las Cruces)
• Carlos Rodriguez (The Arcane Front) (El Paso)
• Laura Turon (El Paso)
• Manuel Urueta (Xingaderas) (El Paso)

These artists will transform the space with their innovative use of neon, LED, projections, and interactive installations, creating an atmosphere that merges art with technology in ways that ignite the imagination.

But the art doesn’t stop with visual pieces—Rayènari is about multisensory experiences. Live performances will feature local musicians like the Pie Sisters and talented local DJs, adding rhythm and sound to the vibrant glow of the festival.

Ekphrastic Poetry and Open Mic by The Barbed Wire Open Mic Series:

In the midst of the light, words will take center stage. The Barbed Wire Open Mic will host a special ekphrastic writing workshop where attendees can find inspiration in the artwork around them and translate it into poetry. The second day, there will be an open mic session where poets can share their fresh creations with the audience, blending the power of light with the magic of language.

Hands-On Creativity:

For those ready to roll up their sleeves and get involved, Rayènari will also offer hands-on experiences, like the print-making workshop hosted by Horned Toad Prints. This is an opportunity to learn new techniques and create your own artistic works to take home, while appreciating the craftsmanship behind each creation.

In addition to professional and student works from UTEP Sculpture, EPCC Art, and Gadsden School District, you’ll be able to browse a variety of artisan vendors and enjoy offerings from local food trucks, making this a family-friendly celebration of art, culture, and community.

Admission is free. The art is priceless. And the night will be unforgettable.

Come light up the night with us at Rayènari—where art, culture, and technology unite.

Sunland Park Sports Complex
4700 McNutt Rd, Sunland Park, NM 88063
Friday, November 1st, 6 PM - 10 PM
Saturday, November 2nd, 6 PM - 12 AM

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For more info, reach out to:
Bianca Cabrales (Curator) - bmcabrales@utep.edu
Angel Cabrales (Executive Producer) - jcabrales@utep.edu

Join the festival that promises to spark conversation, connection, and community. The night belongs to all of us—come see the world in a new light.