EL PASO, Texas – October 14, 2026 – The Chihuahuas have been named the 2026 Copa de la Diversión Award winners by Minor League Baseball (MiLB), marking the first time in history the organization has received the honor. The recognition comes in the first year of the team's newest Copa identity, El Paso Matachines, which celebrates the Borderland's rich cultural traditions, history, and heritage.
The award marks a significant milestone for the Chihuahuas, who were named finalists in 2021 after launching the El Paso Margaritas. The Chihuahuas have participated in MiLB's Copa de la Diversión initiative since its inception, previously taking the field as Los Chihuahuas and the Margaritas before introducing the Matachines identity in 2026.
Copa de la Diversión is a season-long initiative designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate with Hispanic and Latino communities in MiLB cities. The program celebrates participating communities' unique identities through baseball, cultural storytelling, and fan engagement.
Unveiled in March, the Matachines identity draws inspiration from the traditional Matachines dancers, whose performances blend Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican influences and remain an important part of religious and cultural celebrations throughout El Paso and the Borderland.
The organization officially introduced the identity through a community Kermés at Southwest University Park, featuring traditional Matachines performances, live entertainment, specialty food and beverage offerings, merchandise, giveaways, and cultural activities. The celebration served as the foundation for six Copa-designated games throughout the 2026 season, each designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional Borderland Kermés.
Fans experienced live performances, themed merchandise, specialty giveaways, and traditional Kermés favorites, including enchiladas, flautas, gorditas, churros, and aguas frescas. The club also introduced a Matachines bobblehead and other commemorative items celebrating the new identity.
Beyond the ballpark, the Chihuahuas supported local church Kermés celebrations through promotional donations and provided the St. Pius X Matachines group with additional exposure throughout the season. The initiative also created new opportunities for corporate partners to participate in cultural celebrations and connect with the community.
The 2026 Copa de la Diversión Award adds to the Chihuahuas list of organizational honors. The Chihuahuas have won two MiLB Golden Bobblehead awards (2020, 2025) and Baseball America’s Triple-A Bob Freitas Award. In 2023, President and General Manager Brad Taylor was named MiLB’s Executive of the Year.