En Español
Lane Arts Council is pleased to announce the 6th year of Fiesta Cultural! Lane County’s largest celebration of Latinx arts and culture, Fiesta Cultural features multicultural in person and digital events happening September through December that highlight the rich diversity of Latinx arts, culture, and heritage in Lane County.
FIESTA CULTURAL EVENTS
Events will take place both virtually and in-person. See the calendar below for the many ways you can participate.
Free Fiesta Cultural Craft Kits for Kids
Starting Friday, September 4th; while supplies last
All Eugene Public Library locations
FREE!
Kids: pick up a free craft kit to make your own Latin American folk art project, created by Jessica Zapata of Eugene Arte Latino. Get yours starting Friday, September 4 at the Downtown Library on Friday, Saturday, or Tuesday, 10am-6pm; or on Wednesday or Thursday, 12pm-8pm. (The library is closed on Labor Day, Mon., Sept. 7.) Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Puerto Rican Cooking Online
Starting Friday, September 4
Eugene Public Library’s YouTube
Free!
Sara Cintron demonstrates Puerto Rican cooking in “Nice Urban Spice, Lesson 1.” Learn how to make two traditional dishes, mofongo and tembleque, to satisfy both savory and sweet tastes. Explore a new way to cook with plantains, coconut, and the spices of Puerto Rican cuisine for a rich and tasty cultural experience. Enjoy this English-language video anytime on Eugene Public Library’s YouTube.
Bilingual Storytime Online
Starting Friday, September 4
Online: Eugene Public Library’s YouTube (www.YouTube.com/EugeneLRCS)
FREE!
Join Toña Aguilar online for fun stories, songs, and rhymes in Spanish and English. She is an experienced local teacher and currently coordinates the Nutrition Services Program at The Village School. She was born and raised in the Willamette Valley; her father was an activist for migrant farmworker rights and her mother was a bilingual elementary school educator. Enjoy this video anytime on Eugene Public Library’s YouTube (www.YouTube.com/EugeneLRCS).
Book Give-Away for Kids and Teens
All of September (see times below)
All Eugene Public Library locations
FREE!
Children and teens: pick up a free brand-new book to keep, courtesy of the Friends of Eugene Public Library. Books are available in English and Spanish. Drop by at the Downtown Library (curbside): Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10am-6pm; or Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm-8pm. Or drop by at Bethel and Sheldon (indoors): Monday through Saturday, 10am-6pm. (The library is closed on Labor Day, Mon., Sept. 7.) Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
Exhibit: Traditional Mexican Dresses and Charro Clothing and Equipment
Friday, September 16 through October 4
Front windows of the Downtown Eugene Public Library (100 W 10th Avenue), Eugene
FREE!
This temporary exhibition features six traditional dresses and costumes from different states of Mexico, such as Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Nayarit, and Jalisco. This display is provided by Jessica Zapata of Eugene Arte Latino, Noche Cultural, and Ballet Alma de México.
Mexico’s modern folk dance tradition and dresses blend elements of its Indigenous, African, and European heritage. Dance and dresses evolved drastically from 1520 to 1750 with the arrival of the Spanish and continue to evolve. The iconic Charro (horseman) is representative of “La Mexicanidad,” featuring the classic sombrero, spurred boots, and more. Charrería is the national sport of Mexico, dating back to the 1500s when the Spanish brought horses and cattle to the region. UNESCO has recognized Charrería as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
Friday Night Virtual Dance Party 
Every other Friday, around 8pm
Information and registration link available on www.salseros.com and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalserosProductions
FREE!
Join Salseros Dance Company virtually for live streaming DJ’ing on Friday evenings so that you can dance salsa, bachata, and more from home! Register for free to receive the Zoom link. Some Fridays will also include free lessons or special virtual performances!
Online Salsa & Bachata Classes, presented by Salseros Dance Company
Each 4 week session starts at the beginning of the month
Register here: https://www.salseros.com/salsa-bachata-group-classes/
Cost per 4 week session: $50 for one person or $75 for one couple
Learn how to dance through online Zoom classes! All classes are taught live, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and get live feedback. No partner is required to take any of the classes.
2020 Hispanic Heritage Commemoration
Friday, September 18, 6pm
On Zoom; to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino proudly announce that their annual Hispanic Heritage commemoration event will be held virtually this year. During the event, you will be able to enjoy mariachi music, folkloric ballet, rope tricks, and more. This event is free and open to the general public.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the stories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. As a result, communities strive to create spaces for cultural expression as a means of fostering thriving communities through culture and the arts. The Willamette Valley should be no exception in celebrating the vibrant and significant presence of Hispanics and Latinos in the region.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A Zoom meeting link will be emailed at least 24 hours prior to the event. Photo by Jessica Zapata.
Lane Arts Council Artist Happy Hour featuring Michael G
arcia of Dominican Delights
Wednesday, September 23, 4-5pm (this interview was previously scheduled for 9/9)
Lane Arts Council’s Facebook
FREE!
Michael is the owner of Dominican Delights, a local business that has been part of this city for 6 years!
Z
apateado and Fandango Jarocho Workshop with Rubí Oseguera
Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30am
On Zoom, to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
The workshop focuses on musical and body improvisation with movements that revolve around the discipline created from the son Jarocho tradition, where dance, footwork, skill, grace, memory, coexistence, theatricality, and music are combined, supported by rhythms and technique. This workshop is aimed at children, youth and adults of beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in zapateado.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the workshop.
We are grateful for the support of the Lane Arts Council and the Springfield Public Library to carry out this event.
Rubí Oseguera Rueda
Rubí is a dancer, performing artist, manager, and cultural promoter. She is currently considered one of the best dancers of son Jarocho and throughout her extensive career, she has performed in national and international forums and festivals with well-known son Jarocho groups.
Live concert “Tribute to Mexican Singer-Songwriters”
Sunday, September 27, 12pm
On Zoom, to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
Claudia Zapata is originally from Mexico City. During the live concert, she will delight us by singing compositions by Mexican singer-songwriters who, with their great legacies, continue to leave their mark on the world, captivating hearts. Romantic and rancher boleros will be part of the repertoire.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the concert.
Madre’s Club – Art Workshops in Spanish
Saturdays, October 3, November 7, December 5
On Zoom; to register: Send an email to eugeneartelatino@yahoo.com with the subject: Madre’s Club
FREE!
Madre’s Club is a community art club for Spanish-speaking mothers who want to express their creativity and improve their art skills. Children are invited to participate and create their own works of art. Classes will be held via Zoom and a packet with the necessary materials will be provided after registration.
To stay informed about the event, follow Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Modern Art or Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the workshop. Photos by Jessica Zapata.
Calavera Take & M
ake Kits
October 5 – November 2, Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Pick up at BRING Recycling (4446 Franklin Blvd), Eugene
$5 – $10 per kit, pay what you can
BRING will offer ‘Take & Make’ Calavera kits in lieu of our annual DIY on-site workshop. Customers can pick up their very own kit which will include: 1 black plywood skull cut out and bag of reusable decorations like broken tile pieces, beads, shells, color gravel, and more. Available for $5 – $10 per kit, pay what you can. Participants make their calavera face at home using glue and other found pieces. Share a photo with the hashtag #BRINGCalaveras2020, so we can reshare on our social media accounts!
BRING is one of the nation’s oldest non-profit recyclers. We encourage people to rethink what they use and what they throw away. We help our community keep useful items out of the landfill, find ways to use less stuff, reuse as many things as possible, and recycle the rest. Our Take & Make calavera kit aligns with Fiesta Cultural by celebrating the Dia de los Muertos tradition of creating skulls around this Mexican holiday.
Día de los Muertos, 27th Annual 
Exhibit
October 9th through November 2nd, Monday – Friday, 10am-5:30pm, Saturday 12-4pm
Maude Kerns Art Center (1910 E 15th Ave), Eugene
Suggested donation: $3 per person, $5 per family
The Maude Kerns Art Center celebrates the 27th annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit in 2020 with artwork, community altars, and a Day of the Dead Gift Shop.
The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration blends the ancient harvest rituals of the Aztec god of death and the Roman Catholic holidays of All Souls and All Saints days. On November 1 and 2, the dead are thought to return to partake in the activities of the living. Holiday activities include the creation of altars that welcome deceased loved ones.
The Día de los Muertos Exhibit features artwork in a variety of media, including watercolor, gouache, acrylic painting, pen and ink, block print, linocut, papier mâché, fabric, digital art, scratchboard, assemblage, photography, oil painting, and mixed media. In addition to artwork, the Día de los Muertos Exhibit includes altars created by individuals and community groups
A Day of the Dead Gift Shop presented by Suzanne Algara of Buganvilla Imports features authentic crafts created by Mexican artists, including Catrina figures, Day of the Dead dogs, nichos (decorative religious altars), milagros (charms), an array of skulls, and more. Algara, who was born in Mexico, returns to her native country each year and works with artists from a number of different Central Mexican states.
Virtual Concert with Singer-Songwriters Cecilia Zabala & Alejandra Pania
gua
Saturday, October 17, 12pm
On Zoom, to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
Join us to enjoy an hour of live music including original songs by the beautiful singer-songwriters Cecilia Zabala (Argentina) and Alejandra Paniauga (Mexico).
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte La
tino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the concert.
Cecilia Zabala is a guitarist, songwriter, and singer. She has combined the interpretation and creation of music, with guitar and voice, mixing sensitivity, expression, technique, and intuition. Different styles intersect in her music, such as Argentine folklore, jazz, and Brazilian music.
Alejandra Paniagua is originally from Xalapa, Veracruz. She is a harpist, and from the age of twelve she began playing in the classical genre and later in the style of son Jarocho. She studied at the Center for Jazz Studies (Jazzuv) with a specialty in Singing. She has been featured in Arpa en Manos de Mujer, at Binational Health Week in San Francisco, California; at Jazzatlán Club de Jazz, at the Foro del Tejedor, at the Festival ¡Que viva el son! Xalapa, Veracruz; at the XX Son Jarocho Festival in Chinameca, Veracruz; and at the XXVIII Meeting of Jaraneros and Versadores Tlacotalpan, Veracruz and Cumbre Tajín 2017.
“Day of the Dead in Guerrero Morelos, Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico,” a Bilingual Virtual Talk featuring photographs by Maricela Figueroa Zamilpa
Saturday, October 24, 12pm
On Zoom; to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
During the talk, Maricela Figuera will share images of Day of the Dead celebrations held in various towns in Mexico. Photographer Maricela Figueroa Zamilpa has had more than 100 exhibitions inside and outside her country, and her works have been published in different print media.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the talk. Photo by Maricela Figueroa Zamilpa.
Bilingual Virtual Talk with Fernando Soto: “Day of the Dead: Hanging Altars of Coatetelco“
Saturday, November 1, 2020, 12pm
On Zoom; to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
During the talk, Fernando Soto Vidal will discuss his photographic work that focuses on hanging offerings, a pre-Hispanic tradition that is still preserved by families of the indigenous community of Coatetelco, as part of their celebrations of the Day of Dead.
Fernando Soto Vidal has shown his work in 100 group exhibitions and has had more than 30 individual exhibitions both in Mexico and abroad. Soto Vidal’s presentation will be translated into English. This event is presented by Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the talk.
We are grateful for the support of the Springfield Public Library for the support they gave us to carry out this event. Photo by Fernando Soto Vidal.
A Play Reading: Maria Indomable by Dorothy Velasco
November & December 2020 – beginning date TBD
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheVLT
FREE
Minority Voices Theatre and Very Little Theatre’s Virtual Little Theatre present a virtual play reading in Spanish of Maria Indomable by Dorothy Velasco. Maria Felix, the queen of classic Mexican film, unexpectedly encounters her ex-husband, Agustin Lara, the equally famous composer of romantic music. They resolve their unfinished business with edgy, affectionate wit. This 10-minute comedy is directed by Victoria Quintanilla and features Mago Gilson and Roberto Peralta.
Piñata Making Workshop for Children and their Families
Saturdays, November 7 and 14, 10-11: 30am
On Zoom; to register: Send an email to eugeneartelatino@yahoo.com Subject: Registration for the piñata class
FREE!
Have fun learning how to make a piñata with your family! Materials will be provided. This workshop is limited to 70 people.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the workshop.
Virtual Concert with the Mexican Group Son de Barranca
Sunday, December 6, 12pm
On Zoom; to register visit www.nochecultural.com
FREE!
A concert to spread and share the traditional music of Mexico with children, youth, and adults.
To stay informed about this event, follow Noche Cultural and Eugene Arte Latino on Facebook or visit Eugene Arte Latino’s wordpress or Noche Cultural’s website.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed at least 24 hours before the concert.
Son de Barranca is made up of young people with extensive experience in the field of traditional music and dance, who have participated in important festivals at the state, national, and international level. In addition to performing, they conduct research within the communities to record and treasure the wonderful teachings shared by people who every day are part of our great dance and musical wealth.
Sunday Slow Roll
THIS EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED DUE TO THE SMOKE AND FIRE
Bethel Neighborhood, Eugene
FREE!
Don’t miss our live DJ parade rolling through the Bethel neighborhood as Latinx DJ Jill Torres shares uplifting music outside your doorstep. “Distanced dancing” from your yard is encouraged! You are also welcome to join the parade at any point along the route on bikes, scooters, skates, etc. Don’t forget to wear your face mask!
Previous 2020 events:
- Live music by Piel Canela at the Downtown Streatery
- Live music by Ricardo Cárdenas at the Downtown Streatery
- Instagram Artist Takeover by Diana G.S of Bella Beads
- Instagram Artist Takeover by Omar VazCar
- Bilingual StoryWalk®
Special thanks to our Fiesta Cultural sponsors: OregonHealthCare.gov, Law Offices of Lourdes Sánchez, Collins Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, and Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Thank you to our community partners: La Qué Buena, La E-Kiss, Centro Latino Americano, Huerto de la Familia, Downtown Languages, Salseros Dance Company, League of United Latin American Citizens of Lane County, and Eugene Arte Latino.
Questions? Contact Jessica Watson at Lane Arts Council: artwalk@lanearts.org or 541-485-2278 (we are not regularly in the office at this point, due to COVID 19).
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT
If you or your organization is planning an event, program, or exhibition happening between September-December 2020 that aligns with Fiesta Cultural, submit your event here!
