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 Mexican Independence Day celebration, likely at one of the migrant labor camps. Children are dressed in traditional Mexican clothing, and young girls on the left are in formal gowns with sashes and tiaras. Mexican Independence day is celebrated on September 16th.
Large group of children dressed in traditional Mexican clothing, standing on stage in the main hall of Centro Cultural. A row of adults stand behind them. Both the Mexican and American flags are hanging above them.
A young man handing a blindfolded a boy a stick, preparing him to have a turn attempting to smash open a piñata outside of Centro Cultural's community center.
A parade celebrating El día de los niños, or the Day of the Child, often observed on April 30th in Mexico. Two children at the front on the parade are holding an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and both the Mexican and American flags are represented.
Children dressed in costume reenacting the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to Juan Diego twice and whose image appeared on his apron-like tilma after it was filled with roses.
A young woman posing for a photograph her family, all dressed very formally for her Quinceañera, the coming of age celebration in Latino Cultures for fifteen year-old girls. Traditionally girls wear pink as a symbol of their purity.
A parade celebrating El día de los niños, or the Day of the Child, often observed on April 30th in Mexico. Two men at the front of the parade are holding an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and both the Mexican and American flags are represented.
