Annual fundraising appeal – thanks for your ongoing support!

 

For 33 years, Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas has promoted, increased awareness, and celebrated all that is rich, dynamic and beautiful in Latin American Culture. Raíces is one of the few non-profit organizations in the tri-state area and nation that promotes the rich artistic diversity of more than 21 different Latin American countries and cultures. Funders

Share your passion for Latin American art and culture by becoming a supporter today!

 

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Dear Friends of Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas,

Raíces has had a wonderful 2023! Our Artist-in-Residence, Rafael Jiménez, just went back to Acatlán, Mexico to continue his work making dance masks for the many Tecuanes dance groups who seek them. He was able to complete the special calavera or skull mask that will be part of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian education collection.

Over the past month, Rafael gave mask demonstrations to K-12 students in the Philadelphia and DC metro areas and was part of a group show at the Art Factory in Manassas, VA. Rafael capped off this season’s activities that began with the opening of the exhibit “The Good, the Evil, and the Funny: Ritual & Mask Dance in Latin America” with our partner WheatonArts in New Jersey.

This year our signature Tertulia series returned with our partner Taller Puertorriqueño and honored Ramonita Negrón-Rivera, José Ali Paz, and Diego Castellanos, all with the participation of their families and friends. Our annual collaboration in the organizing committee for Feria del Barrio in Philadelphia made it possible to bring GRUFOLPAWA (Panama) and Viva Vallenato (Colombia) from Washington, DC, and northern New Jersey, respectively. This activity builds on our Cultural Corridors initiative in the mid-Atlantic region. Sadly, this year we lost our longtime artist collaborator from Mexico, Felipe Heredia Díaz, and we remembered him with a community ofrenda at the Penn Museum’s CultureFest celebrating the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) alongside his Delaware family.

In 2024, we will celebrate our 33rd year of promoting and presenting our rich and diverse Latin American roots in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. This work is more important now than ever. Next year will be filled with our music and dance performances, craft demonstrations and workshops, school and educational community programs all backed by field and scholarly research.

Help Raíces continue to connect artists and communities with these excellent programs by helping us meet our $4,000 goal. Please watch and share our new video that is a part of our documentation project and was made possible by a grant from the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC).

The Raíces Board and Coalition of folkloric performing groups and visual artists look forward to seeing you at our events in the new year! All will be possible with your generous support.

Muchísimas Gracias Amigos,

Michael Esposito, Yolanda Alcorta, Tania Guerrero, Ervin Cardoza & Dora Viacava
Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas Board of Directors

Be a: Quetzal: $25-$50; Serpiente: $75-$150; Águila: $200- $400; Jaguar: $500-$1,000

 
Recent events:
 
 
 
The Good, the Evil, and the Funny: Ritual & Mask Dance of Latin America in the Down Jersey Folklife Center at WheatonArts, Millville, NJ
April 1 through December 31, 2023


This exhibition provides a comparative perspective of ritual and celebratory use of masks, their costumes, and dances, as well as an interpretation of symbolism and aesthetics associated with the cultural heritage of the Latin American communities in our region. The artworks on display visualize stories, legends, and beliefs. Therefore, their complex meanings can be truly understood only if viewed in a cultural context – as an integral part of living traditions in the respective countries of origin and in the United States. Carnivals, patron saints’ days, and other celebrations in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Honduras, Bolivia, and Peru create both ritual and festive contexts for the stories narrated by the mask dances. The context of their performances in the United States is different, and often a secondary narration is needed to relate their meanings to audiences of multiple cultural backgrounds. Presenting artworks in a cultural context informs both the content and the design of the exhibition.

The ritual masks of human heroes and villains, gods, angels and demons, animals and mythical creatures provide the Latin American communities with metaphorical means of visualizing the transcendent and the belief in a magical transformation by which humans can define elements of chaos and reconfirm order – the Good wins the battle with the Evil. Other masks are created to be funny and used to narrate everyday stories. Most displays of the exhibition are organized by mask dances. Many include more than one dance character, such as the Mexican “Dance of the Jaguar,” the Guatemalan “Deer Dance,” the Bolivian “Dance of the Devils,” the Honduran “Dance of the Hawk,” and the Peruvian “Chonguinada Dance.” Others are represented by one of the main dance characters, such as the Panamanian “Devil Tun Tun” and the “Dirty Devil,” the Guatemalan “Conquistador” and “Bull,” the Bolivian “Wise Man” and “Pepino,” and the Peruvian “Huacón” and “Jija Huanca.” Some are featured in miniature works that have their own ritual meanings. Specific other artworks are also selected to showcase the artistic evolution of technique, color, and materials, as is evident in the masks created by the internationally known artists Gustavo Boada from Peru and Rafael Jiménez from Mexico.

The exhibit stories and displays were developed in partnership with “Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas” and the following dance groups: the Mexican “Danza Tecuanis,” “GRUFOLPAWA” Panamanian dance, “Diablada Boliviana” dance group, “Ayelén Colombian Dance” group, “Raíces Hondureñas”; in addition to local private collectors, organizations, and artists, in the hope of encouraging dialogue and reflection in the exhibit space.

The Good, the Evil, and the Funny: Ritual & Mask Dance of Latin America is part of “Reflections & Expressions: Communities & Cultures of Central & South America,” a project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. Additional project support is provided by the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission.

This Down Jersey Folklife Center project series edition was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and from the National Endowment for the Arts.

https://www.wheatonarts.org/programs/down-jersey-folklife-program/good-evil-funny/

Residency of Mexican mask maker Rafael Jiménez – October 26 – November 25, 2023
Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas is pleased to bring Rafael Jiménez López, master Tecuanis Mask Maker from Acatlán, Puebla and the presentation of his masks in motion by the dance group Danza Tecuanis to Day of the Dead celebrations and beyond beginning 26 October to 25 November 2023. This is an opportunity to bring the masks alive for the audience in this traditional dance practiced in central Mexico during the year especially during the Day of the Dead. Danza Tecuanis groups are based in Washington, DC and New York City and their elaborate costumes add to the fantastic masks they wear created by Rafael Jiménez. Last year we very much enjoyed the school presentations and workshops that Raíces planned with the schools and community organizations. Teacher resources are available to facilitate lesson plans.

 

Feria del Barrio 2023, Sunday, September 10, 2023, N. 5th Street between Huntingdon and Somerset Streets, Philadelphia – main stage at N. 5th St. and Lehigh Ave. feriadelbarrio.org

Raíces Boricuas at Feria del Barrio 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raíces Tertulia Series “Honoring Our Past, Envisioning Our Future: Diego Castellanos: The Face of Latinos in Philadelphia,”  Friday, September 8, 2023 at 5:30 pm at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th St, Philadelphia

Antojitos to snack on, a short presentation with open mic, networking, and music!



Part of Raíces’ ongoing collaboration with WheatonArts and its Down Jersey Folklife Center:
Living Traditions:
Communities & Cultures of
Central & South America
A FREE Virtual Conference via Zoom
This Friday, November 11, 2022, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
and Saturday, November 12, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Join us for an open dialogue Virtual Conference about forms of preservation and adaptation of cultural heritage in the multicultural context of American society. Discover how adaptations in arts and traditions help preserve and pass on cultural values to future generations.
Professional Development:
Teachers, this conference is a PD opportunity! Receive a certificate for 4 hours with attendance and engagement.
Presentations include:
►Recycled Sounds: Brazilian Instruments
►Newentun: Calling on the Life-Force – Mapuche Hip Hop as Audiovisual Production
►African Cultural Idioms in Latin America & U.S.
►Urban Condors: Traditional Andean Music
The presentations offer insights into the ability of traditions to transform and reflect changes in the way of life both in Latin America and the United States.
This virtual conference is FREE to attend! Click on the link to register. https://www.wheatonarts.org/…/reflec…/living-traditions/

Mexican mask artist Rafael Jiménez will appear at the Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 on Tuesday, November 15, from 12 noon to 4 pm

 

Feria del Barrio on Sun, Sep 11 from noon to 6 pm on North 5th St between Huntingdon and Somerset Streets in Philly https://feriadelbarrio.org

Guatemalan sawdust rugs from an earlier event at National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, DC (below):

The Good, the Evil, and the Funny

Our collaboration with WheatonArts, Millville, NJ:

Raíces is a collaborator in the exhibit Threads of Time & Wisdom: Chilean & Guatemalan Fiber Arts at Down Jersey Folklife Center at WheatonArts, April 1 through November 14, 2022 wheatonarts.org/programs/down-

 
Raíces 30th anniversary 1991-2021
 
Our 30th anniversary in 2021 featured live programming again, starting with the return of Feria del Barrio to North Philly on September 19. Our programming with WheatonArts featured both live and virtual events with talks varying from Venezuelan harp music to Bolivian traditions, and a live event on September 25 featuring Guatemalan marimba, and was very well received, including the Mayan Traje textile exhibit which continued until December 31.
 
Finally, we capped off our programming with our Chocolate: Canta y No Llores / Chocolate: Heart, Soul and Joy event at the Italian Market in South Philly on October 24, featuring mariachi singer Martín Carrión, the Tonantzin Yaotecas Aztec dancers, and Rosa Ruiz (aka Catrina Mía), with the collaboration of the Chocolate Art & Crafts store and Penn’s Village.
 
We will continue our partnership with WheatonArts as well as Feria del Barrio in 2022. We will share more details with you about these and other programs.
 
Our 2022 programming, as always, will feature talent on the Raíces Cultural Corridor from Washington, DC to Philadelphia to Boston! Whether you donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps especially on #GivingTuesday! Be a part of these programs with your generous donation!
 
Our PayPal donation page is paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/159138
Thank you for helping us continue our important cultural work!

Links to videos of our 2021 events with WheatonArts:

Music and Rhythms of Venezuela with Michael Esposito and Eduardo Betancourt https://youtu.be/IIGrHxme590

Bolivian Ritual and Dance with Julia García and María Mayda https://youtu.be/eOEYnNbOskE

Raíces’ 30th Anniversary!

Raíces Co-Founder and President Michael Esposito, with the award presented by the organization Caribbean Community of Philadelphia, to celebrate Raíces’ 30th anniversary (June 2021)

Raíces’ first meeting took place at the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations (Concilio) on the night of March 27, 1991, thanks to the late Ramonita Rivera. In attendance were Co-Founder Michael Esposito with Tony Moreira, María Cordeiro, and Pasquale Rex. Michael met with Co-Founder Yolanda Alcorta and Tony Moreira in April 1991 to solidify plans for Raíces, then shortly afterward with the performing groups that would become part of the Raíces Artistic Coalition.

Raíces became incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a nonprofit organization on September 26, 1991. Now, as we reflect on our journey, we recommit ourselves to our mission to promote Latin American culture. 

Our PayPal donation page is paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/159138

Thank you for your ongoing support of our programs!

Day of the Dead with Mexican group Danza Tecuanis: first aired on Sunday, Nov 1, 2020 at 

and available to view at same page. Co-sponsored with Casa de la Cultura El Salvador.

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Raíces continues to promote Latin and Caribbean culture through its Facebook pages  Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas and Folklorelatino and Twitter page @RaicesCultural – https://twitter.com/RaicesCultural

Raíces sigue promoviendo la cultura latinoamericana y caribeña virtualmente, por medio de sus páginas de Facebook Raices Culturales LatinoamericanasFolklorelatino,  y nuestra página de Twitter @RaicesCultural – https://twitter.com/RaicesCultural 

 
 

Follow us on our Facebook pages Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas and Folklorelatino . We promote Latin American culture continuously through our posts!

Síganos en nuestras páginas Facebook Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas y Folklorelatino. Promovemos la cultura latinoamericana en forma continua por medio de nuestros informes!

Our Twitter account / Nuestra cuenta de Twitter: @RaicesCultural – https://twitter.com/RaicesCultural

World music map , frequently updated, with links to audio samples and videos, created by Raíces Co-Founder and President, Michael Esposito

Mapa de música del mundo , ampliado muy a menudo, con enlaces a muestras de audio y videos, creado por el Co-Fundador y Presidente de Raíces, Michael Esposito

Since 1991 Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc. has fulfilled its mission to support, promote, and increase public awareness of the richness, beauty, and diversity of Latin American cultures and their roots through performing and visual arts, and dynamic educational programs. Co-founders Michael Esposito and Yolanda Alcorta head the organization, accompanied by Board members Tania Guerrero and Ervin Cardoza. Michael, Yolanda, Tania, and Ervin manage Raíces programs and have expanded its scope to include the area between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, and linking Latin and Caribbean cultural practitioners worldwide. You can contact Michael Esposito at info@raicesculturales.org or via phone at 267-303-0642.

Desde el 1991, Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc. ha realizado su misión de apoyar, promocionar e incrementar la presencia, la riqueza, la belleza y la diversidad de las culturas latinoamericanas y sus raíces a través de actuaciones, las artes visuales y los programas educacionales. Los co-fundadores Michael Esposito y Yolanda Alcorta dirigen la organización, acompañados por Tania Guerrero y Ervin Cardoza, miembros de la Junta. Michael, Yolanda, Tania, y Ervin están manejando los programas de Raíces, expandiendo su alcance a toda el área entre Washington, DC y Filadelfia, y conectando a la gente que promueve la cultura latinoamericana y caribeña a través de todo el mundo. Pueden contactar a Michael a la dirección de info@raicesculturales.org o al 267-303-0642.

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