Ballet Folklorico Latin Reflection perform at the Fiesta de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe in front of a large painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe, December 1999 Photo: Nancy J. Nusz
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Medford's Dia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
In Mexican communities in Oregon, the feast day of
the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12, when local
Catholic churches become centers for worship services.
The Virgin of Guadalupe has been deeply rooted in
Mexican culture since 1531, when she reportedly appeared to San
Juan Diego on a hillside outside of what is now Mexico City. She
captured the hearts and minds of the indigenous people, whom
Spanish missionaries were converting to Catholicism, and became the
official patron saint of Mexico. Her feast day is celebrated much
like a national holiday.
The southern Oregon valley surrounding Medford is
home to thousands of Mexican Americans. In 1996 they began an
annual celebration of Dia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe at
the Jackson Country Expo Center. More than 3,000 people attended
the 1999 program, which started at 4:30am for Las
Mañanitas, the singing of songs in honor of the Lady of
Guadalupe. A fiesta, more singing, and worship services took place
later in the day.
Documentation comprises a text report, newspaper
clippings, a cassette recording of Las Mañanitas, a
program, and 15 slides.
Originally submitted by: Ron Wyden,Senator.
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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