Celebrate Mexican Independence With 'VIVA'

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time to celebrate 200 years of Mexican independence, MGM Resorts International is proud to introduce VIVA, an extended weekend spectacular, September 15-19.  The red, white and green blowout takes place across all Las Vegas MGM Resorts properties and welcomes Latino travelers, and anyone wishing to join the party, to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of Mexican Independence Day from one end of The Strip to the other.  

"Our resorts have historically offered a great variety of entertainment, dining and activities for guests celebrating the 'fiestas patrias,'" said Bill Hornbuckle, Chief Marketing Officer for MGM Resorts International.  "Now with VIVA we are able to pull it all together and expand our offerings to make this weekend a can't-miss destination event weekend."

Hotel packages, including VIVA wristbands, now are available for ARIA, Vdara, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus and can be found at VIVAVegasFiesta.com.  Individual VIVA wristbands also will be available for purchase at all MGM Resorts box offices throughout the event weekend.  

VIVA wristbands will provide guests daily happy hours at participating bars and restaurants, admission and VIP line passes to Studio 54, access to concerts at Diablo's Cantina, daily fashion experiences at Crystals – Las Vegas' newest and most extravagant shopping district – and much more.  The new Ignite Lounge at Monte Carlo will serve as the central VIVA Lounge from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, offering concierge services and a spot to relax and rejuvenate from all of the excitement.  In addition to these inclusions, VIVA guests are able to pick and choose from a buffet of entertainment and activities to personalize their weekend fiesta.

The VIVA celebration begins Wednesday, Sept. 15 with a sold-out concert by Mexican sensation Alejandro Fernandez and the traditional "grito" – a ceremonial late-night declaration of independence – at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Latin Grammy Award-winners Marco Antonio Solis and Pedro Fernandez continue the Latin music extravaganza Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.  A hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects by Gabriel Iglesias will bring the Monte Carlo Theatre to life Thursday through Saturday.  

Guests can keep the party rolling late into the night with a variety of nightlife options with a unique Latin flavor.  Diego at MGM Grand will feature top tequilas and high-energy dancing at Agave Jueves on Thursday and Vida! Latin Late Nights Friday and Saturday.  Meanwhile, Reventon at Gonzalez y Gonzalez at New York-New York heats up The Strip with pop and rock en Espanol Friday and Saturday.

An integral part of Mexican culture is food and VIVA will not disappoint.  Some of the best Mexican cuisine can be found at Diego, Hussong's Cantina, Border Grill and T&T: Tacos & Tequila – home of the Sunday Mariachi Brunch.  For guests clamoring for a taste of the old country, Chef Julian Serrano will provide a cooking demonstration of delectable dishes from his native Spain at Tuscany Kitchen at Bellagio Thursday, Sept. 16.

This year, celebrate Mexican Independence Day Vegas-style – full of the best in Mexican music, comedy, food and drinks in a neon paradise.  Start following @VIVAVegasFiesta on Twitter and Facebook or visit VIVAVegasFiesta.com for more information, updates and to book your VIVA package.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International