Mexican independence

[Coyote]

BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY TO HOST GOLDEN MUSIC ORCHESTRA, OPPD’S JAVIER FERNANDEZ WILL BE FEATURED SPEAKER DURING NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY TO HOST GOLDEN MUSIC ORCHESTRA ON SEPTEMBER 12

Bellevue University will help celebrate Mexican independence with a special musical performance by the Golden Music Orchestra from Durango, Mexico on Sept. 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The free event is open to the public. It will be held on the University’s main campus in the Hitchcock Humanities Center, 1040 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. Attendees can enjoy a photographic display and light appetizers from 11 a.m. to noon. The orchestra will perform in the Criss Auditorium from noon to 1 p.m.



Golden Music is a 14-member versatile Duranguense group that began in 2017. Since its founding, the group has had the opportunity to share the stage with artists of national and international stature such as Las Flans (2017), Napoleón (2018), Ha-Ash (2019), and Maria León and Motel ( 2022). After their performance at Bellevue University, members will perform at several other locations in Nebraska and Iowa. According to Socorro Carerra, Global Relationship Specialist for the University, “Bellevue University is excited to host this event. We hope the public will join us for what will be a true celebration of our diverse community.”



Consul of Mexico Maria Guadalupe Sánchez Salazar and Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins will deliver brief comments at the event. El Grito traditionally takes place every year on the night of September 15. The event initiates the ceremonies of Mexican Independence Day, which continues on September 16.

[Coyote]

Omaha community celebrates, gives history of Hispanic Heritage Month
There is a very significant reason why the celebration begins in the middle of September.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally and celebrates the many contributions, diverse cultures, and history of the Latin American comminutes across the country. It is a special time in Omaha’s Hispanic community. The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month began on the 15th of September. There is a very significant reason why the celebration begins in the middle of September. “We recognize the independence of a number of countries and one of them is Mexico on September 15th, the call to independence from the priest for the people of Mexico to become independent from Spain,” said Magdalena Garcia.

Magdalena Garcia is the founder and executive director of El Museo Latino. The museum celebrates the culture and traditions of Hispanic culture year-round. This year the museum has brought in two special exhibits to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. “Prints from the Mexican print masking who is considered the father of print masking Jose Guadalupe Posada he created all these different skeletons. These skeletons and skulls that we find images in Day of the Dead,” said Garcia.

[ Fine Arts Exchange 2022 El Museo Latino


Paintings and prints from Guatemala are also on display during Hispanic Heritage Month at the museum. Garcia says sometimes people don’t realize just how diverse the Hispanic culture really is. “We’re very diverse and varied it’s not one thing and yes it’s Spanish one of the common things that unify us but there are differences it’s always a learning experience that people don’t understand that one word may mean something in Mexico and a different meaning in another country, Panama or Puerto Rico,” said Garcia. Garcia says for 30 days each year all the languages and cultures come together to celebrate independence. The special exhibits for Hispanic Heritage Month are on display at the Latino museum now until December 30th.

[Coyote]

Latino Museum commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month with Jose Guadalupe Posada exhibit

Jose Guadalupe Posada died nearly 100 years ago, but the Mexican artist is still remembered today for how he spread his message through visual art. “He was a voice for what was going on during his time,” Magdalena Garcia, director of the Latino Museum said. “He commented on everyday life on things and criticized politicians and laws and events that were happening today.” Garcia says Posada’s art was just not any art. His use of skeletons in his drawings has inspired generations of artists and is still used in Latin American traditions and holidays today. “We have an opportunity to highlight an artist who was not only important in his time, but has influenced a generation of artists.” Particularly in the younger generations. Toni Renardo a visitor of the museum says she’s trying to connect to her Hispanic heritage and the exhibit does just that.

“Coming here and kind of having the refresher of old Spanish classes where we learned about the history and Posada I don’t know it’s bringing me back together with my past,” Renardo said. Like Renardo, Garcia wants the exhibit to shine a light on who Latinos are. “As a Latino-specific museum, that’s what we celebrate all year every year not just on May 5 and not just the month that we’re designated,” Garcia said. For everyone visiting the exhibit, Garcia hopes it can not only represent Hispanic heritage month, but the diversity Latinos hold and visitors can take a piece of that with them when they leave.

[Coyote]

Two new art exhibits on display at El Museo Latino in Omaha

To mark the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, two new exhibits are open at El Museo Latino featuring works by Guatemalan artists and world-renowned Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada.

[nativeomahan]

We spent Mexican Independence Day in México this year, and it seemed a lot more low key than what occurs here in the US. Yes there was a parade, but it was a day early. Government offices were closed and many people had the day off, but I kept expecting more enthusiasm from the general population. It’s just not celebrated the same.

[Coyote]

Cinco de Mayo: South Omaha museum celebrates and educates



It’s Cinco de Mayo, a celebration not just here, but in Central America. As a way to celebrate the holiday, El Museo Latino is showcasing a piece of Mexican culture with their new exhibit called ‘The Natural Dyes of Oaxaca’. Cinco de Mayo is more than just the food and the parties. Oftentimes many believe the holiday is a celebration of Mexican independence. “We celebrate May 5th as commemorating the battle that took place in Puebla, Mexico,” Garcia said. In reality, it’s about the culture and freedom of Mexico. Magdalena Garcia, the founder of El Museo Latino, welcomed the new exhibit showcasing that important piece of what makes up the Mexican cultural fabric. “It’s possible for a small group of Mexicans, and it’s representative of what we can do and stand up against all obstacles and win,” Garcia said. On each wall, you’ll see pictures of indigenous communities from Oaxaca, Mexico.

They use plants, snails, and beetles to make natural dyes that are used to color fabric for clothes, blankets, and other items. “There’s history and tradition and it’s valuable to Latino culture,” Garcia said. Garcia describes it as a process that started in Central America hundreds of years ago, now used in other parts of the world. Brandon Mena attended today’s exhibit opening. As a Latino himself, he’s glad to see more representation of Mexican culture. “In Nebraska, I feel like they don’t talk about Latinos,” Mena said. Mena sees this exhibit as a way to inspire the community to learn not just about Mexico, but Latin America as a whole. “When they think of Latin America they’ll think of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and South America,” Mena said.

[Coyote]

Cinco de Mayo Festival returns to South Omaha this weekend



If you didn’t get a chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you still can. It’s a busy weekend for many businesses on South 24th Street with the annual Cinco de Mayo festival making its way to the business district. And for those still recovering from the pandemic, it’s something to look forward to. “The festival and Mother’s Day this weekend is going to help us a lot and we’re looking forward to it because people usually buy a lot,” Macias said.

Cecilia Macias owns Cecy’s Decoraciones. She is one of many business owners who are looking forward to the festival. She has already set up items she’s planning to sell. “The pandemic forced us to close our shop because we didn’t get any customers,” Macias said. Macias is one of many business owners who are still recovering from the pandemic three years later. “We still have some rough months with our business, but we have hope good things will come,” Macias said.

[nativeomahan]

At first I was scratching my head as to why on earth Omaha would be commemorating a 5th of May anniversary on the 12th of May…
Then I recalled how Omaha also celebrates the clock striking Midnight on New Years Eve at 7 pm.
I guess the city strives never to be on time for very much.

[Brad]

At first I was scratching my head as to why on earth Omaha would be commemorating a 5th of May anniversary on the 12th of May…
Then I recalled how Omaha also celebrates the clock striking Midnight on New Years Eve at 7 pm.
I guess the city strives never to be on time for very much.

And St Patrick's Day the Saturday before St Patrick's Day.

[Louie]

At first I was scratching my head as to why on earth Omaha would be commemorating a 5th of May anniversary on the 12th of May…
Then I recalled how Omaha also celebrates the clock striking Midnight on New Years Eve at 7 pm.
I guess the city strives never to be on time for very much.

And St Patrick's Day the Saturday before St Patrick's Day.

That one makes sense based on how drunk this city gets for it. Having that on a weekday would be a much less festive scene.

[Dundeemaha]

Side note: Mexican Independence is Sept 16. This is just Cinco de Mayo

[nativeomahan]

Side note: Mexican Independence is Sept 16. This is just Cinco de Mayo

Yes. But it has only been celebrated on September 16 for 213 years. It takes a while for the gringos to read up on their American history.

[Coyote]

Omaha residents celebrate Cinco de Mayo


Saturday, people turned out for a Cinco de Mayo parade and festival in South Omaha. The parade was at 10 a.m. and saw a good turnout, while the festival continued in the South Omaha Business District on 24th Street between L and Q Streets. The yearly festival was also anticipated to be a boost for local businesses. Residents celebrated in South Omaha starting on Friday with exhibitors setting up. The celebration continues until 10 p.m. on Saturday, and then again on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.