SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — Mexico’s consul general in San Francisco is inviting Donald Trump to attend a festival in the Bay Area next week that will highlight Mexican food and culture.

Consul General Andres Roemer tells KGO-TV attending weeklong festival may help change the Republican presidential candidate’s perception of Mexican people.

Roemer made the comment Wednesday while promoting the upcoming MEX I AM festival.

The event will showcase some of Mexico’s top scientists, artists, ballet dancers, opera singers and chefs.

Roemer says the festival will show a part of Mexico that some like Trump may not always see.

Since entering the race last month, Trump has repeatedly accused Mexico of sending criminals to the U.S. who harm Americans.

The MEX I AM festival begins Sunday, July 19 and runs until Sunday, July 26.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.