By David Wilfong, NDG Contributing Writer
Preparations for the State Fair of Texas are well underway at Fair Park. On Sept. 28, a preview event was held for the Mundo Latino exhibit being held at the Women’s Museum. This year’s exhibit focuses in on the Mexican State of Guerrero, located on the southern Pacific coast of the country. It contains the beach city of Acapulco and was also hard-hit by the recent earthquakes.
The first guest to address the gathered audience was Francisco de la Torre, Cónsul General of the Mexican consulate in Dallas. He began by asking those gathered to observe a moment of silence for the victims in Mexico and Puerto Rico due to the recent disasters in both locations, then expressed pride in the influence of his country and of Dallas residents originally from the state being celebrated.
“We are in a city which that embraces tolerance and diversity,” de la Torre said. “We should be proud of the color of our skin, and the contributions of every single one here to the City of Dallas, to the north of Texas, to Texas, and the United States. Feel proud we’re part of the city. We’re part of the community, and we’ve earned this space in the Texas Fair for the Hispanic community.”
The evening featured music and performers representing the traditions of Guerrero. Food served included authentic tacos of barbacoa and al pastor, as well as ribs and baked goods. Displays throughout the building range from decorative textiles and artifacts from the area’s earliest nomadic inhabitants, which arrived in the region some 20,000 years ago. Guerrero became world famous for its silver mining, an example of work in both jewelry and home décor are included, as well as numerous vendors offering a range of regional products for sale.
On the second floor of the building is housed a display honoring Texas military members who have given their lives in service of the country. The collection was pulled together with contributions from individual Texas funeral homes. On the third floor, the St. Ann’s Alumni and Friends of Little Mexico have produced a “Faces of Little Mexico” exhibit which features memorabilia celebrated all facets and faces from Dallas’ Hispanic past.
With recent weather events hitting Latinos especially hard, Dallas director for LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. Renato de los Santos, Jr. made a plea to the audience to support LULAC’s efforts for relief in Houston, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. LULAC is currently hosting two fund-raising campaigns; one for Hurricane Harvey recovery in Houston and one for the victims of hurricanes and earthquakes in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Donations can be made at the following:
