Chicano Murals, Civil Rights, and Mexican History
A weekly newsletter covering Mexican American news, politics, and culture.
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HISTORY OF THE VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE
As the year draws to a close and the yuletide season approaches, the month of December is an important month of significance to the practitioners of many different faiths and denominations throughout the world. This is particularly true for many followers of the Roman Catholic faith. Virgen de Guadalupe.
The beginning of the month marks the start of Advent, a season observed by Roman Catholics marked as preparation for the celebration of the Nativity at Christmas and celebrating the return of Christ as well.
Needless to say, the season is peppered with variety and nuance among different celebrations. Mixing Christian and pagan traditions across different churches and regions, as well as contrasts between western and eastern orthodoxies.
However, for millions of Mexicans that practice the Roman Catholic faith, the 12th of December also marks another celebration of significance within the church, the feast day of the Virgen de Guadalupe.
CHICANO PHOTO EXHIBIT OPENS AT PAULY FRIEDMAN
A new exhibit at The Pauly Friedman Art Gallery is offering a rare glimpse into the social justice movements of the 1970s through the lens of photographer Luis C. Garza. Titled The Other Side of Memory: Photographs by Luis C. Garza, the exhibit runs through January 10, 2025.
The display features silver gelatin prints from Garza’s largely unpublished archive, capturing pivotal moments from peace and justice movements in East Los Angeles, the South Bronx, and beyond.
Garza’s evocative images provide an intimate look at the activism and cultural shifts that defined the era.
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NEW NUTCRACKER PLAY TO HAVE MEXICAN TWIST
The beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker gets a vibrant twist in Fiestas Navideñas, a festive performance that infuses Mexican traditions into the timeless tale. Co-founded by José Rosales and Alfonso Meraza, the show highlights cultural elements such as pastorelas (traditional Mexican folk plays), Las Posadas (a religious celebration), and the story of Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings).
"The show adds a Mexican-inspired perspective to The Nutcracker," said Rosales, CEO of the ArtistiCO Dance Company. In this reimagined version, the Three Kings take on the role of narrators, guiding the audience through a journey across various regions of Mexico, immersing them in the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Tickets are available for the remaining Fiestas Navideñas performances, scheduled for December 2 and 3 at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus.
PORTLAND DROPS NEW CHICANO MURAL AND CHICANO-HIGH SCHOOL GRAFFITI CLASS
A vibrant new Chicano-inspired mural has been unveiled in Portland, paying tribute to the Portland Timbers and adding to the city’s growing Chicano art scene.
The mural, which captures the intersection of cultural pride and local sports fandom, is part of a broader artistic movement fueled by the city's diverse communities.
In addition to the mural, the artist behind the work is leading a new graffiti after-school program called CANS (Spray Can Art Class) at Beaverton High School, located just outside of Portland.
The class, designed to teach students graffiti art techniques in a positive, constructive way, has quickly gained popularity. According to the school, approximately 90% of participants are Mexican American, reflecting the significant influence of the local Mexican and Mexican American community.
SAN ANTONIO HONORS POP WITH NEW TRIBUTE
A new mural has been unveiled in San Antonio, paying tribute to Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich as he continues his recovery from a minor stroke suffered in November.
The mural, located at Amol’s Party and Fiesta Favors on Fredericksburg Road, features both a young and older version of Popovich alongside the NBA’s coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Created by local muralist Mikey Sanchez and shoe designer J.C. Art, the black-and-white artwork celebrates Popovich's enduring impact on both the Spurs and the San Antonio community.
The mural serves as a symbol of Popovich's legacy, particularly as he remains sidelined after the stroke, which the team described as “mild.”
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: MEXICAN HISTORY VIDEO SERIES
In this course Daily Chela contributor Eli Magana discusses the history of Mexico and Latin America.
The course explores the rich history of Mexico, from ancient civilizations to the impacts of Spanish colonization and beyond.
Designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in understanding Mexico’s cultural evolution, this video series is a great way to touch up knowledge and learn something new!
AMERICAN HOMEBOY - NOW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY!
The hit movie AMERICAN HOMEBOY is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray!
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