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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2008
Contact:
, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7379
Fax: (512) 974-7379
Nuestras Tradiciones: Diez y Seis de Septiembre en Austin
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The Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) and the Austin History Center present Nuestras Tradiciones: Diez y Seis de Septiembre en Austin, a collaborative exhibit commemorating Mexican Independence Day in 1810. Nuestras Tradiciones opens September 14 and will be on display through October 18 at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), 600 River St. There will be an opening reception from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 at the MACC. The exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public. For more information please call 512-478-6222 or visit www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc or www.cityofaustin.org/macc.
The Nuestras Tradiciones exhibit includes the family tree of Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla borrowed from the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas. Miguel Hidalgo was a Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary rebel leader. He is regarded as the "Father of the Country" and was the founder of the Mexican War of Independence movement which fought for independence from Spain.
The exhibit also consists of photographs and other historical documents that depict celebrations of Diez y Sies de Septiembre in Austin from the late 1873 to the present time. Many items from the Austin History Center, including an 1873 map of Austin, a 1931 blueprint of Zaragoza Park where 16 de septiembre celebrations have traditionally been held, plus a timeline and photographs documenting these celebrations throughout the years comprise the bulk of the exhibit.
One of the most touching examples of the importance of local Mexican Independence Day celebrations took place in 1873. The then small community of Mexican Americans in Austin wanted to celebrate 16 de septiembre, but they had no money to pay a band. Not willing to give up, a gentleman stepped forward and offered his horse as payment for the musicians. The musicians accepted and history was made.
Gloria Espitia, a Neighborhood Liaison at the Austin History Center, describes Nuestras Tradiciones as “a celebration to rekindle the spirit and pride within the Mexican American culture.” She hopes that it will allow people to reflect on the history and meaning of 16 de septiembre and as well as its importance in the Mexican American community today.
Unfortunately there are many gaps in the historical documentation of local 16 de septiembre celebrations and other Mexican American traditions. The oral tradition is disappearing and unless we do something now to preserve this history we will lose it. If you or your family has any photographs or documents concerning Mexican American culture and history in Austin, please contact Gloria Espitia at the Austin History Center, 512-974-7498.
Nuestras Tradiciones: Diez y Seis de Septiembre en Austin initiates a strong collaborative relationship between the Austin History Center and the Mexican American Cultural Center to preserve and celebrate Mexican American History in Austin for generations to come.
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