She’s considered one of the most important, influential artists of the 20th century, and each year, fans fill the streets of Bay St. Louis to pay her homage.
The legacy of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo lives on with Frida Fest, which returns to the Bay for the ninth year on July 13.
“Frida Fest was started in 2015 by Ann Madden and Sandy Maggio to celebrate the life and art of Frida Kahlo,” says Whitney LaFrance, operations and social media manager for Mockingbird Café, which is hosting this year’s festivities. “Mockingbird Cafe is honored to continue this celebration.”
Attendees can expect to be immersed in a unique, colorful world reminiscent of Kahlo’s masterpieces and indulge in Mexican-inspired food, drinks, live music and more. From art demos to a 5Kahlo Run, the day’s schedule is packed with fun Frida-themed activities.
“Each year, Frida Fest draws hundreds of people from all over,” LaFrance says, “and the numbers are only growing. Last year, we saw over 600 attendees!”
Even as the list of activities grows, the most beloved event remains the Frida look-alike contest, in which contestants will don flower crowns, colorful dresses and heavy brows to recreate Kahlo’s iconic look. Proceeds from the contest go to a deserving charity or organization, and this year, they will enable four artists of Latin descent to attend The Arts, Hancock County.
Even for those attendees who are not competing, LaFrance says, costumes are encouraged.
“Each year, the streets and shops of Downtown Bay St. Louis is packed with Frida-inspired looks,” she adds. “Women, men, children and pets all dress up in honor of Frida.”
Frida Fest strives to embody the spirit of the celebrated artist, who was renowned for her vivid self-portraits and willingness to address sensitive personal and political themes. LaFrance likens Kahlo’s artwork to a vibrant, brightly colored autobiography. Her paintings tell her life story, the good, the bad, and the ugly — including a tagic bus accident when she was 18 that left her bedridden for months. During that time, she hung a mirror above her bed, which enabled her to create some of her most famous self-portraits.
“Her capacity for self-reflection is extraordinary …,” LaFrance says. “Frida has become synonymous with individuality and the strength and resilience of women.”
IF YOU GO
Frida Fest
July 13, 5-9 p.m.
Mockingbird Café, 110 S. Second Street, Bay St. Louis
Free admission, look-alike contest has $10 entry fee
www.mockingbirdcafe.com/happenings
FRIDA FEST SCHEDULE
- Grab your Frida flare from Old Town Bay St Louis shops – all day
- Frida 5Kahlo Run by Bay Saint Louis Running Company – 8 a.m.
- Bay Paint Out at 220 Main – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Dodie Connor resin art demo at 220 Main – 10-11:30 a.m.
- Special Frida food and drink menu at Mockingbird Cafe – 3-9 p.m.
- Frida Look-Alike packet pick up on the left side porch – 4-6 p.m.
- Andrew Switzer live Frida painting at Mockingbird Cafe – 5 p.m.-till
- DJ Doug Funnie of Good Earth Records providing the tunes – 5 p.m.-till
- Frida Look-Alike participants line up – 6:30 p.m.
- Frida Look-Alike Contest starts – 7 p.m. Frida
Fest Look-Alike Contest has an online registration option. Visit Mockingbird Café website (www.mockingbirdcafe.com) to sign up. Tickets are required only to participate in the Look-Alike Contest & the Frida 5Kahlo Run.