(Crystal Birns Photography)
SANTA CRUZ — Local cultural organization Senderos of Santa Cruz will be holding its annual “December in Mexico” performance at the Harbor High School Theater, 300 La Fonda Ave., on Friday and Saturday.
This year’s show, entitled “México Lindo y Querido,” will incorporate Mexican dancing and live music. Centeotl Danza y Baile, Senderos’ dance troupe, will showcase a number of traditional dances from various states in Mexico. The organization’s youth band, Ensamble Musical, will also be performing.
Senderos, which formed in 2001 through ties with the Santa Cruz City Schools, is now a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers. Its primary aim is to promote and support the Latino community in Santa Cruz County through arts and education.
In addition to its music and dance classes, Senderos provides academic assistance to Spanish-speaking youth and adults through educational programs.
“I believe these students need to be proud of who they are,” said Senderos’ co-founder and artistic director Fe Silva. “Knowing about and embracing their culture will help them believe in themselves, which leads to more success in life.”
Senderos dancers and musicians have been rehearsing for this year’s “December in Mexico” for the past four months. Silva urges the public to come support the group if they can. She believes that cultural events like these can help strengthen the overall community.
“I am an immigrant,” Silva said. “And being an immigrant, I know how important it is to keep our culture and its traditions alive, and to share them with others.”
Admission to “December in Mexico” is $10 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors. Food and drink will be available for sale to guests at 5:30 p.m., including a number of homemade Mexican dishes. At 7 p.m. the performances will begin.
For information, call 854-7740 or email [email protected]. To learn more about Senderos and to donate, visit scsenderos.org.
