Aqui Estamos: A Season of Culture, Community and Joy
By Cristina Saldivar, For The Mountain Times
From September 15 through October 15, we at Mt. Hood Unida celebrate Latino Heritage Month, a time to root ourselves in the love of the Latino cultures present on the mountain and share that love with our neighbors.
At Mt. Hood Unida, we believe culture is something we create together, interculturally and intergenerationally. It lives in the food we share, the music we dance to, the stories passed between generations, the traditions our families carry, and the new memories we make here on the mountain. Sometimes, celebrating culture is as simple as getting together and having a really good time.
This fall, we’re creating opportunities for families and neighbors to gather, laugh, eat, remember, dance, and experience joy together.
But these gatherings also carry a deeper history.
Five years ago, we came together to celebrate in the middle of a pandemic. We were grieving the loss of a beloved community member, navigating uncertainty, and wondering what the future would hold. And still, we showed up. We showed up for one another. We made space to grieve and celebrate together, reminding each other that we did not have to face an uncertain future alone. That spirit remains at the heart of Mt. Hood Unida.
We don’t know what the future will hold for our Latino community in these times. There will always be things beyond our control. But we know this: we will keep showing up. We will keep taking care of one another. And we will keep practicing joy together.
On October 4 from 4 - 7p.m, we’ll gather at the Skyway for Fiesta Latina, celebrating Latino Heritage Month with food, music, dancing, and community. And you know the food is going to be good!
Chef Hornor and Mama Maria will collaborate on special dishes for the occasion, bringing their own flavors and creativity to the table. A portion of the food and beverage proceeds will support Mt. Hood Unida’s mission and programming.
Fiesta Latina is also a chance to celebrate one of the relationships that has helped make Mt. Hood Unida possible. The Skyway team has been an incredible supporter since the beginning, our padrinos, or godparents, supporting us financially and continually showing up for our events and community.
We are excited to support the people who uplift our culture, our families, and our mission. That is what these gatherings are about: showing up for each other.
So bring your family, your neighbor, and someone who hasn’t been to a Mt. Hood Unida event yet. Come hungry, ready to dance, and ready to celebrate the beauty of Latino culture on the mountain!
We are grateful for the generosity of our community, as well as support from the Oregon Cultural Trust and Oregon Community Foundation. And thanks to our music sponsor, Grupo Mparable, a regional Mexican band, will help fill the Skyway with even more joy.
Then, on November 1 from 1 - 3p.m, we’ll gather at Wildwood Park for Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos is a time to remember and honor those who came before us. It gives us an opportunity to share traditions across generations, tell stories, remember the people who shaped us, and make new memories together. Mariachi Mexico en la Piel will play a beautiful set in the Mt. View Shelter.
We’ll gather as families and neighbors to honor our ancestors, celebrate our culture, and enjoy being together.
Together in our culture, in care for one another, in our grief and our joy. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!