Centro Cultural in Cornelius is an organization that serves the needs of recent immigrants to Washington County. It provides education and empowerment programs such as English as a Second Language, Spanish Literacy, Computer Technology, Cultural Values, Leadership Training and community organizing, Information and Referrals.
Centro Cultural has contributed hundred of photographs of celebrations and gatherings of Washington County's Latino community, as well as pictures of migrant farm workers and others served by the organization.
A band about to perform on the stage in Centro Cultural's main hall. The red, white and green decoration suggest that this is a celebration recognizing Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on the 15th and 16th of September.
Community members celebrating traditional culture, dressed as indigenous peoples of Latin America. One individual is holding a conch shell, which had great significance in both Mayan and Aztec cultures. Photograph taken outside of Centro Cultural's community center.
Children sitting on stage in Centro Cultural's main hall. Judging by the banner this is a Cinco de Mayo celebration, commemorating the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Centro Cultural's main hall full of community members. A man speaks into a microphone. On the wall above to group is a is a Ojo de Dios, or God's Eye, which is thought to have originated with the Huichol Indians of Western Mexico.
A Diá de Muertos celebration in Centro Cultural's main hall. Diá de Muertos is a Latin American celebration recognizing family members and ancestors that have passed away. It is observed on November 1st and 2nd, closely tied to Catholic observances of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. Marigold flowers are often used to decorate for the holiday.
Centro Cultural's main hall decorated for Diá de Muertos. Diá de Muertos is a Latin American celebration recognizing family members and ancestors that have passed away. It is observed on November 1st and 2nd, closely tied to Catholic observances of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. Marigold flowers are often used to decorate for the holiday.
Diá de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Latin American celebration honoring family members and ancestors who have passed away. The holiday grew out of an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl, or Lady of the Dead. Here, a community member is dressed as Mictecacihuatl for a community celebration.
Community members dressed as a skeleton and the Aztec goddess Mictecacihuatl, or Lady of the Dead for Diá de Muertos. Diá de Muertos is a Latin American celebration recognizing family members and ancestors that have passed away. It is observed on November 1st and 2nd, closely tied to Catholic observances of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. Marigold flowers are often used to decorate for the holiday. For more information about Mictecacihuatl, see photo CCpic_315.
A community member speaking in front of a Diá de Muertos shrine. Diá de Muertos is a Latin American celebration recognizing family members and ancestors that have passed away. It is observed on November 1st and 2nd, closely tied to Catholic observances of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. Marigold flowers are often used to decorate for the holiday.
Musicians wearing traditional Mexican clothing perform in front of a Diá de Muertos shrine. Diá de Muertos is a Latin American celebration recognizing family members and ancestors that have passed away. It is observed on November 1st and 2nd, closely tied to Catholic observances of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. Marigold flowers are often used to decorate for the holiday.
