Oxnard College had the chance to hear a “Shout of Independence” when it celebrated “El Grito de la Independencia” last Wednesday.
MEChA club President Antonia Flores said that she felt the celebration was a great opportunity to teach students Mexican heritage.
“It’s very important to celebrate our culture, here as well as Mexico, and not a lot of people know what today is,” said Flores. “So it’s very important for them to know and celebrate ‘El Grito.'”
“El Grito de le Independencia” celebration, which translates to “The Shout of Independence,” was organized by the MEChA club at Oxnard College, and featured local band Producto B, as well as Jarabe Tapatío dancing by the Ballet Folklorio Mestizo club at Oxnard College in the Amphitheater from 11:30 a.m. till 2 p.m.
MEChA Advisor Everardo Rivera believes that the event is more than just a celebration of Mexican Independence.
“I think it’s more than just Mexican Independence,” said Rivers. “It’s recognition of the diversity that we have in this community, and the people that we serve in our college.”
Rivera also says that the event is important considering the majority of the student body is Hispanic in ancestry. This allows them to create a “day of recognition,” while at the same time exposing students to a different culture.
Producto B Rhythm Guitarist Chuy Leon, a 25-year-old Art Major at Oxnard College says that the event is a great way to get exposure for his band, as well as participate in a celebration that is often mistaken for Cinco de Mayo.
“I’m glad the college gives an opportunity to organizations like MEChA, so that the rest of the college community is aware of dates like this,” said Leon. “I’m really glad the college gives this opportunity to the students, just to be aware.”
After Producto B was done performing, the Ballet Folklorio Mesizo club took the floor. One of its members, Jose Rodrigruez, says that he enjoys performing the Jarabe Tapatío for personal and practical reasons.
“I do it to kind of give back to the community, and to show the students a different culture as well,” said Rodriguez. “It’s also a good work out.”
