S5 Hispanic Heritage 2007

Roy Archuleta, author of the book "Where We Came From," presented the audience with the story of Asensio de Archuleta, one of Oñate's Spanish soldiers in New Mexico. Archuleta sold out of his handsome, hardcover book during the book signing session, as many were eager to read the complete story following his presentation.

Documentary filmmaker Bredaleigh Lobato answering questions from the audience about New Mexico traditions following the viewing of her film, "Nuestros Antepasados" ("Our Ancestors").

The film consisted of numerous interviews conducted by Lobato with families and historians describing some of the old traditions still practiced in the villages of Northern New Mexico, such as Mora and Truchas. The film was well produced, prompting numerous questions and recollections of similar traditions by those in the audience.

Elementary grade students from Arrey and Salem, in southern Sierra County, demonstrated making traditional crafts. Here, studentsMissael Porras and Tiffany Smiset make cascarones - egg shells filled with confetti and fragrance -used in old Spain and Mexico for festive occassions.

The student dancers were colorful in both dress and performance.

The audience was well entertained by the students, in colorful traditional dress, as they danced to the music with perfect precision.

The Arrey dancers taking a well deserved bow after their impressive performance.

Parents teach the students the dances to preserve the heritage of folklorico dance, and based on their performance, have done an outstanding job.

While those in attendance enjoyed Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Center, they probably didn't notice volunteers Gay Dybwad and wife Joy Bliss tending to the outdoor garden. They worked all day in the 90+ degree heat pulling weeds and repairing recent rain damage to the garden. The Center is always grateful to the hard work of our volunteers, such as Gay and Joy.