Grupo Cultural Latinos En Rochester - Creatives Rebuild New York

A group of five individuals are captured in a vibrant and joyful setting, each displaying a unique blend of traditional and modern clothing that represents diverse cultural backgrounds. Two women are dressed in brightly colored, traditionally styled dresses with intricate floral patterns, accompanied by matching headscarves. A man is seen wearing a white t-shirt with a tree design paired with a colorful head wrap, symbolizing cultural heritage. Another woman stands out in a black hat and jacket, with a white ruffled blouse and a red sash, reflecting a traditional formal attire.

Cultural performance organized by The LatinX Project

Photo courtesy of Carlos Chediak

A group of musicians performs passionately on stage, each engaged with percussion instruments. The ensemble includes four individuals wearing blue shirts, with the name 'RocobloCo' visible on a projected banner in the background. The banner showcases a blue and green design reminiscent of the Brazilian flag. One musician at the front center holds a tambourine to his lips, possibly singing or calling out, while another musician on the left, dressed in a patterned shirt and white cap, plays a metallic drum with drumsticks.

Brazilian percussion performance organized by The LatinX Project

Photo courtesy of Evelyn D’Agaostino

A performer dressed in a vibrant traditional costume dances on stage. The outfit includes a colorful striped poncho and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with brightly colored ribbons. The performer wears a mask, adding an element of cultural significance to the performance. A wooden cane is held, suggesting a traditional folk character often seen in dances.

Cultural performance organized by The LatinX Project

Photo courtesy of Evelyn D’Agaostino

Two women wear traditional costumes adorned with colorful and festive floral headpieces. Each headpiece is intricately designed, featuring a variety of colors such as red, blue, and white. The women have radiant smiles and are dressed in elaborately embroidered garments that include patterns in red and gold, complemented by ornate gold jewelry around their necks.

CRNY artist Jessica Pereyra

Photo courtesy of Jessica Pereyra

A group of dancers wearing sparkling blue dresses adorned with gold trim perform on a dimly lit stage. Each dancer energetically waves a different national flag, adding vibrant colors to the scene. Bright stage lights cast a warm glow, creating dynamic shadows and illuminating the performers. The background is decorated with multicolored lights, enhancing the festive and lively atmosphere of the performance.

Cultural performance organized by The LatinX Project

Photo courtesy of Jessica Pereyra

Five musicians stand on stage performing traditional Mexican music. Each member is wearing a white traditional shirt and a hat, adding to the cultural authenticity of their appearance. The group consists of a violinist and four guitarists, some of whom are playing vihuelas, which are smaller, higher-pitched guitar-like instruments typical in mariachi music. Sheet music is perched on stands in front of them, indicating a formal performance setting. In the background, a colorful image of Mexican architecture and landscape is projected on a screen, enhancing the cultural ambiance.

Cultural performance organized by The LatinX Project

Photo courtesy of Karla Slack

A group of women participates in a cultural dance performance, wearing elaborate traditional Mexican dresses. These vibrant garments feature a multitude of colors and floral patterns, along with decorative lace and stripes in shades of yellow, red, and orange at the hems. The barefoot dancers hold pineapples wrapped in red fabric, symbolizing a festive and possibly ceremonial aspect of the dance. Each woman is adorned with beaded necklaces, adding to the authenticity of the traditional attire.

Cultural performance organized by The LatinX Project

Photo courtesy of Karla Slack

A group of twelve individuals posed together indoors, all wearing wide-brimmed cowboy hats. Their outfits are matching, consisting of white shirts embroidered with black floral designs and black pants. The group includes both men and women, with most people smiling and standing with their arms around each other or by their sides.

Cumbia norteña

Photo courtesy of Karla Slack

A dynamic scene of a live outdoor concert with a confident female singer passionately performing at the center. She is dressed in a black outfit with intricate silver patterns and is engaging with the audience, microphone in hand. The band is playing behind her, comprising multiple musicians with instruments including keyboards, drums, and percussion.

CRNY artist Thalia Pabon

Photo courtesy of Thalia Pabon

The Collaboration

Artists Karla Slack, Julio Pabon, Carlos Chediak, Thalia Pabon, and Jessica Pereyra collaborated with Grupo Cultural Latinos En Rochester on the LatinX Project. This two-year initiative aimed to foster intercultural dialogue and community education by engaging with marginalized communities in Rochester, including migrant workers in its surrounding rural areas. The artists led bilingual dance and music classes in addition to presenting performance showcases to encourage pride in the immigrant and minority communities of Western New York. From Brazilian percussion classes to outreach to the LGBTQIA+ community, to partnering with a local church, the LatinX Project offered a wide range of opportunities for community engagement in Rochester.

The Organization

Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester works to promote Latin American folklore in Western NY through educational events, community workshops, and meaningful live performances.

Working on my music is more than notes and rhythms; it's a powerful bridge that connects cultures, celebrates diversity, and inspires unity. Talia Pabon

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach children of all ages and communities the joy of dance and creativity. It has been a pleasure to positively impact their lives and nurture their love for dance. Jessica Pereyra

The LatinX Project offered participants, volunteers, and emerging artists from different cultural backgrounds to come together in solidarity, dance, and music and leave behind all social boundaries.

Artists

Location

Rochester, NY

Communities Served

Immigrant

Rural

Seniors

Youth

Links

LatinX Project

“Yo Soy Latina” performance by Talia Pabon