Celebrating Latin-American Heritage 

November 21, 2024

Coinciding with annual festivities held every September and October, Mercy Home youth and coworkers again celebrated the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

This year, events included a trivia night, the building of an ofrenda, and a celebration dinner, explored the annual theme of “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” 

Youth enjoyed a trivia night to learn more about pioneers and activists such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta and their continuing impact on society today.  

“I think talking about activism is important for the youth because every teenager, especially teenagers with trauma, need to be reminded of the power that they do have,” Tutoring and After School Programs Coordinator Veronica Quintero said. “It’s important to remind youth how powerful one voice can be. It’s also reminding them how effective using that voice for change for the better has been and can be for them as well.” 

In addition, therapists supported young people in building an ofrenda. An ofrenda is a table decorated and covered with personal mementos and meaningful items such as photographs, flowers, and candles for the Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrated on November 1 and 2. The holiday honors people in our lives who have died. At Mercy Home, the community ofrenda allowed the youth to be vulnerable together. 

“The ofrenda [helped] them process and honor people close to them who have passed,” Quintero said. “They’re also welcome to honor icons that inspire them if they are not comfortable doing something more personal or they don’t know anyone who’s passed that’s close to them.” 

To conclude the observances, Mercy Home held a special dinner and party complete with a pinata, Latin-American food and music, and an opportunity to decorate sugar skulls.  

These activities were open to all of our youth, regardless of background. As Quintero explained, education helps combat the fear that forms the basis of racism. And adding the element of fun, as these activities did, helped make those lessons more memorable and enduring.  

“This all goes into building a safe space, not only for combatting ignorance from people who may have learned racism toward the Latine community, but also to show the Latine community here that they are seen, valued and understood,” Quintero said.