RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with La Fiesta del Pueblo, an annual tradition and one of the Triangle’s largest and most diverse celebrations of Latin American culture.
Flor de Hidalgo is a new dance group in Raleigh that formed just five months ago and was honored to have been included in this year’s festival lineup. Alicia de Dios Fernandez founded the group with the hope of sharing her love of dancing with those who had absolutely no experience, including a generation who may not have grown up in Latin America like she did.
“It’s very important for the younger to learn our culture, learn about the traditions,” Fernandez said. “It’s art.”
Although festivals like La Fiesta del Pueblo are a great way to build community awareness, she said they dance because it connects them to their own culture. Their goal is to honor and share their various heritages through traditional dances rooted in folklore.
Flor de Hidalgo rehearsing a traditional number from northern Mexico. (Spectrum News 1/Rachel Boyd)
“It’s good for our communities and for humanity,” Fernandez said. “Culture, dance art, always unite the people.”
Because the dancers in the group represent many diverse countries and backgrounds, Fernandez tries to incorporate traditional dances from every culture, including Hidalgo, which is from her home state in Mexico.
They’ve come a long way since the start of the year and are now ready to perform on request at events and celebrations throughout the Triangle.
“It’s a tradition, we are very happy to share with the community,” Fernandez said. “It’s very important, in this state Latin American people are growing, we have to share everybody our culture.”