The Chicano-Latino Heritage Celebration

Woodland is a diverse town with many unique individuals who infuse their cultures into our community. For this reason, our community leaders have started to organize events and celebrations to acknowledge the cultural richness that Woodland has accumulated over time. One of these events took place on October 7th, and it was a Chicano/Latino Heritage Month celebration. It was the second annual celebration of its kind, and it was a lively and bright event that brought many people together.

The event took place on First Street in Downtown Woodland, and it was beautifully decorated with intricately cut and brightly colored paper called papel picado that hung over the street. The street buzzed with life and happiness as people walked up and down to see everything the event had to offer.

Something that the event organizers decided to include was a display of colorful classic lowrider cars. These vintage vehicles looked stunning with their bright colors and glossy, classy look. About eleven lowriders were on display for everyone to admire, and judging by the size of the crowds checking them out, they were certainly a hit.

There were booths set up for local businesses and organizations to drum up interest as well. Some booths sold clothing and customized coffee cups, while others sold jewelry. Art studio Taller Arte Nuevo Amanecer, TANA, had a stand there too, informing the public of the programs, classes, and activities they offer and showcasing some of their art pieces and their unique styles. There were also several organizations, like Brown Issues and the League of Women Voters, that made an appearance at this celebration, offering information about their organizations’ purposes in an effort to make themselves better known in the community.

Like other successful events, the Chicano/Latino Heritage Month celebration had a few food vendors. These food booths sold traditional Latinx dishes, including sopes, enchiladas, and even Mexican street hot dogs. Some notable drinks from the food booths were Jarritos (a Mexican soda), agua fresca de pepino y limon (cucumber lemonade), agua de tamarindo (tamarind juice), horchata (a sweet rice and cinnamon-based drink), and agua fresca de fresa (strawberry juice).

Apart from the engaging booths, vendors, and incredible lowriders, the event also included musical performances. The Pioneer and Woodland High Mariachi groups joined forces and put on an impressive performance that evening. They played six songs from a variety of styles and drew a crowd. In addition, young Jimena Izquierdo blew everyone away with her incredible voice as she sang songs of different genres --including mariachi and pop, not to mention her breathtaking dress, a traditional ballet folklorico dress embroidered with colorful flowers and other designs.

The dazzling celebration seemed to be a hit, but what did the attendees think about this event? “It’s hopeful that things are changing and that [we] are being more inclusive…it’s beautiful [that] we’re embracing [Hispanic culture],” said Elyse Doyle-Martinez, advisor to the Brown Issues organizations and one of the event organizers, when asked what this event that celebrates Chicano/Latino Heritage meant to her. Catalina Ruiz, a Pioneer High School parent, also responded to this question by saying: “This is a great opportunity to share our culture and our heritage with others…it’s just full of pride.” Another question that interviewees were asked was: Why do you think it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and culture? Gloria Boccolini, a well-known retired educator who taught in Woodland schools for many years, said, “It is important for…young people to learn about the traditions, and the food, and the music, and everything because it makes them feel good and proud about their origins and the cultures of their ancestors.” Maurice Rasmussen, another retired educator who contributed greatly to the education of the youth in Woodland for many years, commented, “The contributions of the Hispanic culture to the mainstream cultural mixture that we have [should be celebrated]. There are many, many famous people…[who] have made great contributions to our society and our culture and they need to be recognized.” Although interviewees had multiple answers when asked what was their favorite part about the event, there was a clearly common answer: the food, of course!