MECA Presents Fiesta Guadalupana

HOUSTON, TX, (NAMC) - On December 12, 2005, MECA will celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fiesta Guadalupana. It is believed that in 1531, on the hill of Tepeyac, a man named Juan Diego was surprised by the appearance of a beautiful dark-skinned woman who, calling the Indian "my son," declared herself to be the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Using Juan Diego as her messenger, she asked for the bishop to build her a church on the hill of Tepeyac. On December 12, the Virgin Mary presented Juan Diego with the proof that was ordered from the bishop, an image of the Virgin Mary on his cloak. Millions throughout the nation gather on this day to honor "La Reina de Mexico." More than just a religious symbol, the Virgin Mary has become a cultural icon millions around the world pay homage to, becoming a part of the everyday lives of many.

MECA observes this celebration with performances by Mariachi MECA as people gather outdoors at the Virgen statue (created by Paul Kittelson). A procession follows into the auditorium where liturgical music and dance will be performed by MECA faculty and students. Performances include "... ceremonial dances from the genre of concheros carry ancient beliefs of the people of Mexico. Many of nature's elements ... are venerated in ritualistic dance. Adorned in trimmings of gold and flowing feathers, amid the burning incense, dancers use conch shells to call to an era long passed."(1) " 'Los matachines' denotes a traditional religious dance and the dancers, musicians, and elders who participate in it. Most modern versions rely heavily on representations of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Cross."(2)

The devotional songs and music celebrate culture, tradition, heritage, and history. The following traditional music will be performed at MECA's celebration.

-- Las Mananitas

-- Adios, Reina de Cielo

-- Buenos Dias Paloma Blanca

-- Desde el Cielo una Hermosa Manana

-- Virgen Ranchera

Hot chocolate and pan dulce will be served. A Virgen de Guadalupe art exhibit will be on display.

Sponsored by:

Texas Commission on the Arts, Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County, Greensheet, United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

What:
Fiesta Guadalupana
When:
Monday, December 12, 2005 7:00 p.m.

Where:
MECA
1900 Kane Houston, TX 77007

Admission:
Free and Open to the Public

(1) Calpulli Danza Mexicana (Web Site) (2005); available from http://www.calpullidance.org/concheros.htm; Internet; accessed 14 November 2005.

(2) Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. "MATACHINES," http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/MM/lmm1.html (accessed November 14, 2005).