The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre presents the 4th annual “Fiesta Folklórica” directed by Jacqueline Silva. “Fiesta Folklórica” is, according to Silva, “A celebration of Mexican culture and an opportunity to bring our community together.” The dancers of Fiesta Folklórica, Danza Azteca and Folklórico Ensemble, along with Mariachi de Humboldt, invite you to join in this celebration at the John Van Duzer Theatre Friday, February 20th at 7:00pm, Saturday February 21st at 7:00pm, and Sunday February 22nd at 2:00pm. It is encouraged that you purchase tickets online at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre. Tickets are also available at the door. Tickets prices are $15 General, $10 for Children and Seniors, and free for Cal Poly Humboldt Students with ID.
Director Jacqueline Silva elaborates on the performance, “Fiesta Folklórica is a celebration of Mexican culture through music and traditional dancing. Each year, we aim to showcase dances from different regions of Mexico and its unique diversity from one another . Mariachi de Humboldt will also be showcasing various styles of Mexican music as well. Not only is this concert for our campus, but this concert is for our community. Especially during these uncertain times, we want a space for all to come and celebrate our cultural heritage.”
The dancers, directors, choreographers, and musicians of the 4rd Annual Fiesta Folklórica want you to know how important and amazing this performance is for the community.
Adalynn, an 18 year old Marine Biology major spoke, “Participating in Fiesta Folklorica has given me the opportunity to connect with my Mexican heritage and to learn more about the rich culture of Mexico…getting to work alongside my maestros and fellow dancers—It has been a wonderful experience getting to practice with everyone and meet new people”
J.d. Garza-Valencia, 35, Communication Alumni (2014), and Director of Career Development and Interim Director of Centers for Inclusive Academic & Career Excellence also stresses the importance of culture, “I grew up never feeling quite connected to my culture. In many ways, I felt like I had to hide my culture or connection to it out of fear of acceptance or mistreatment. I am a person who does not know Spanish and feel even further separated from my ancestry. Participating in this is my reclamation and an appreciation of my ancestry and culture.”
Alexis Nataly Quiroz Arredondo is a 31 year old community member participating in this year's performance. Alexis had this to say about her participation, “My favorite part about Fiesta Folklorica is sharing space with other people who are passionate about their roots. We are living through unprecedented times and being together in community is most important. I am a Mexican immigrant and have danced Folklorico for more than half my life, it keeps me grounded and connected to who I am. I don’t have the privilege to go back home to Mexico as often as I would like and Folklorico fulfills that need a little bit.”
Bethany Castillo, 20 years old, and double majoring in psychology and dance added her own perspective, “I used to dance with my sister in our own little folklorico group and it meant a lot to me to be participating in something that's so close to my family history. I feel more connected when I dance in Fiesta Folklorica and I feel that connection matters so much right now. I feel like I belong to the community when I dance in these concerts and I want to share that feeling with the people that have been so welcoming since I've started going to Cal Poly Humboldt.”
Director Silva echoes these sentiments, “Representation and preserving Mexican culture is even more needed with so much going on in the world. We are telling stories through dancing and music. These stories represent our ancestors' ceremonies, historical events, animals native to the region, and courtship.”
So why come see Fiesta Folklorica? For Biology Major Zen Godinez, 20, it is very simple “People should come see Fiesta Folklorica because it fills you with a sense of awe. For the dancers, the music, the emotion. Very exciting and fun.”
From Bethany Castillo: “People should come see the concert because it shows support for the work that students and community members put into it. The concert is also a way for us to share culture with the community, and we need that now more than ever.” Or take some advice from Victoria Carrillo, 19, Political Science Major, “They should come to enrich themselves in Hispanic culture and [because] it's beautiful seeing all the festive colors and proud dances.”
So come celebrate the rich and diverse dance and music traditions from Mexico at the Van Duzer Theatre. “Our dancers and musicians have been working very hard since September to prepare for this concert. Come support them, our production team, and help us sell out this show!” urges Director Jaqueline Silva. Bethany Castillo, “Please spread the word about us! We always appreciate hearing about the show from the community. We're here to show that our culture is alive here in Arcata and we're proud of it!”
“I hope our hard work shows through every dance and every gritos. Viva Mexico!” — Alexis Nataly Quiroz Arredondo
Also check out other Music events in Arcata, Entertainment events in Arcata, Concerts in Arcata.
