Western Farm Workers 25th Anniversary Dinner

Thank you to everyone who made it out to Yuba City this past Saturday. Once again, Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli was able to share this beautiful tradicion with the communidad of Yuba City. You all did a wonderful job and it was much appreciated by everyone at the event. We recieved tons of positive feedback from the guests at the event and had a great time traveling out there and just hanging around for dinner :)

Annual CLYLP Presentation...7/24/2011

Once again, we have been asked to open up the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project at Sac State this summer. This is a week long conference attended by students throughout our state to encourage and promote higher education and community empowerment. Please mark your calendars and set aside the morning to support our youth. I sent out an "event" request on facebook. Please respond to the request to let me know if you'll be able to make it.

Stay Hydrated!!!

Mexikas, please make sure you are drinking lots of extra water!!! It's warming up fast and it's really easy to become dehydrated. We don't want anyone passing out. Also, please make sure that you have sandals or huaraches in your danza bag to dance in. I know nobody loves dancing in sandals, but you need to protect your feet when it's hot. Blisters are no fun. Of course they happen, but should be prevented when possible. It's important to take care of your bodies, more specifically your feet, so that you can continue to dance strong and hard. See you tonight at ensayo at Jeanette's.

Xilonen 2011

It's Xilonen time again!!! This year, Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli is excited to honor three of our young ladies as they mark their transition into womanhood. This year's Xilonens will be Angelina Raucho, Alexis "Lil' Yaya" Hernandez and Rae'Anne Gutierrez. These girls have committed themselves to a year of hard work and discipline to represent themselves, their familias and our kalpulli. We're all looking forward to their ceremonia and the work we have together in the coming year.

Our 2010 Xilonen Anicia "Nene" Hernandez, set a beautiful example for the girls to follow. She has learned so much and come so far. She will be entregando her palabra at the ceremonia and though we're sad to see her Xilonen year come to an end, we're proud of her for fulfilling her commitment and representing our kalpulli the way she does.

Thank you to all of the danzantes and their families who made it out to the Festival de la Familia this year. Thank you for your danzas, your sore feet, your blisters and your willingness to share this beautiful tradition with our community. Our youth are truly an inspiration as they carry on this precious work with an excitement and energy that can only come from a love of their culture and heritage.

NAKLand

Thank you to all of you danzantes who made it out to Sac State to support the NAK fraternity with their children's carnival. Thank you to the NAK organization for their support of our Xipe ceremony last month and for encouraging our youth to seek higher education.

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Cesar Chavez March on Saturday 3/26/11. It was cold and wet, but you all came together to be a strong presence that day. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to our community.

Cesar Chavez March on Saturday 3/26

Once again, rain or shine, Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli will be out marching to honor the legacy of Cesar Chavez. Come out and show your support. March with us from Arteaga's Supermarket in West Sac to Cesar Chavez Park in Sacramento. Dress warm. Itzkuauhtli meet at 8:30 to get ready to go. See you there!!!

Ceremonia de Xipe Totek, 2011

Thank you to every one who came together on Saturday to create a beautiful ceremony. Thank you to all of the danzantes from Sacramento, Los Angeles, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, San Jose, Arizona and our Jefe from Morelos, for your effort and travels. Every one of your danzas, ofrenditas, prayers and smiles made it a wonderful celebration full of strong energy and love for our littlest ones. Thank you so much to everyone who helped with the food, treats for the kids, and clean up. Thanks to Sol Collective and Leonardo da Vinci School for their support. Looking forward to many more years of dancing together.

Back on Track...

Sorry Mexikas, it's been a long time since I've kept this thing up to date, but I'm back on track with it again. I'll hopefully be updating it at least once a week again, so keep checking back for up to date info. (And if I forget, harrass me until I do.)

Ayakaxtli Workshop

On January 15th we will hold another ayakaxtli workshop for those of you who still need one or want to make a new one. We'll meet up in Ev's garage to make them with both single and double gourds. Please make sure to sign up with Citlalin if you haven't already done so. Cost for the workshop materials will be $8 for a single and $15 for a double. We'll provide the gourds, sticks, tools, glue, filling, paint and leather for wrapping the handles/fringe. This does not include feathers.