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.
Centro Cultural youth on stage celebrating Mexican culture. The boy in front is dressed for El Baile de Los Viejitos or Dance of the Old Men. The dance originated in the Mexican state of Michoacán, and it is a humorous dance where the dancers wear masks of old people along with their typical campesino clothing. The girl directly behind him is wearing a dress from the Mexican state of Jalisco. These dresses are known for being styled after Spanish dresses, appearing in Mexico after it was colonized. The dresses are traditionally made out of cotton and are brightly colored and adorned with ribbons.
Three men sitting next to woven baskets overflowing with fruits and vegetables. The picture of a Turkey hanging on the wall above them indicates that display is part of a Thanksgiving celebration.
Three men laying next to woven baskets overflowing with fruits and vegetables. Often baskets overflowing with food represent prosperity. These men could be partaking in a performance piece representing thanksgiving or bountiful harvests.
Community members sitting next to their completed cornucopia, filled with fruit and vegetables. Cornucopias, also know as horns of plenty, represent future prosperity.
Community members building a cornucopia out of tissue paper inside Centro Cultural's main hall. Cornucopias, also know as horns of plenty, are filled with food and represent future prosperity.
Community members building a cornucopia out of tissue paper inside Centro Cultural's main hall. Cornucopias, also know as horns of plenty, are filled with food and represent future prosperity.
Children sitting on stage in Centro Cultural's main hall, joining together for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. A Mexican holiday, the fifth of May is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
