Texas Border Project
EDINBURG, Texas – The Big Squish returns to its 19th season, with the city of Edinburg scheduled to host the highly anticipated semi-finals on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. Announced by Texas Folklife, this best youth accordion competition brings together talented young musicians to celebrate Texas’ rich musical heritage.
As a designated music-friendly community, Edinberg is committed to maintaining and promoting a diverse musical tradition, offering the opportunity to showcase his talent to emerging artists. The big squeeze serves both as a competitive and cultural celebration, shining the spotlight on the next generation of accordionists and the vibrant sounds of Conzinto, Zydeco, Cajun and Polka Music.
Semi-finals: April 25-26 – Edinburg, 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Finals: May 17-18 – Texas Folklife Weekend at the Block Museum in Austin
The newly crowned Big Squish Youth Ambassador will have the opportunity to perform at Accordion Kings & Queens showcases, interact with audiences, create content for Texas Folklife social media platforms, and participate in cultural events from 2025 to 2026.
For nearly 20 years, Texas Folklife has provided a platform for young musicians to develop their skills, learn from industry experts, and keep the Texas accordion tradition alive.
“The Cultural and Arts Division of Edinburg is dedicated to fostering a thriving arts community, celebrating the musical heritage and supporting local talent,” said Magdiel Castle, director of Culture and Arts. “Hosting a big squeeze coincides with our mission to establish Edinburg as a cultural hub while creating meaningful experiences for our residents.”
