Paladin

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: City Style

Media Credit: Viviana Gonzalez [Click to enlarge]

The aroma of carne asada and chicken tacos filled the air as students celebrated Mexican Independence Day on Tuesday, Sep. 16 in the LAC Quad from noon to 1p.m.

Mexican Independence Day is the independence from Spanish rule in 1810. In Mexico, on the day before the Mexican Independence Day, the president of Mexico rings the bell of the parish of Dolores, and gives the grito (the cry). Source http://www.mexconnect.com/

In addition to the festivities in the Quad, an art exhibit took place in the Nordic Lounge, showcasing artist Juan Francisco, who also is known by the name "Estravides."

"I love to share my art with students because they are the generation of this world. Things that inspire me are Spanish houses, landscapes, women in magazines, everything and anything," Francisco said.

Francisco is a former LBCC student who majored in art and has been living in California for 22 years. He is from Peru and owns a gift shop in Long Beach called Galeria De Arte (Art Gallery).

Francisco sells art crafts, furniture, sweaters from Peru. He also sells Peruvian Alpaca rugs. Alpacas are a type of South American animal.

LBCC student Yaneli Sanchez sang "Una Pagina Mas" (One More Page) in front of the cafeteria accompanied by the Mariachi band during the festivities.

LBCC student Cecilia Padilla also sang in the Quad with the Mariachi band.

"It's really good to appreciate all the holidays and it's the first time I've seen an event like this for Mexican Independence Day," LBCC student Mayra Garcia said.

"Mexican Independence Day was a great opportunity to share the diverse culture of LBCC," Student Life Clerk Paulette Marshall said.

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