The 20th Annual Día De Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration and Parade was held on Saturday November 2, 2024 by Cleveland Public Theatre in and around 6205 Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square neighborhood. The annual "Day of the Dead" honors the memory of those who have passed and is a treasured holiday in Mexico and throughout Latin America. The celebration featured Altar Installations, Latin Food, Live Music, Folk Art Market, and more.
A highlight was the "Skulls & Skeletons" Procession down Detroit. The Grand Marshal was Ward 15 Councilperson Jenny Spencer and the Banner Leader was Olga Rosado. The Parade included a Mariachi Band, Aztec dancers, Samba da Cidade drummers, Cleveland Public Library, Stilt Walkers, Hathaway Brown HS, Minerva HS International Circle, HOLA, stilt walkers and more. There were two stops at altars at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and at the Craciun Berry Funeral Home altar. Here is a video of some highlights from the Skulls & Skeletons parade.
Cleveland City Hall is hosting an exhibition called La Promesa: Celebrating Legacy, Empowering Generations, Inspiring the Future of Hispanic-Latino Art. This exhibition was not just a milestone for the talented artists, it is the first of its kind in City Hall history. Currently on display, this exhibition features 23 gifted artists and more than 50 beautiful pieces of artwork, showcasing the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of the Hispanic community. It's on view until January 3rd, 2025 at Cleveland City Hall.
Artist Augusto Bordelois with his piece Fishing for a Queen of Hearts
Fun with Maps - The Island of Dolls in Mexico City
In this special episode of Fun with Maps, host Dan Hanson warns you not to be afraid as he looks at a scary topic just before Halloween and the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The Island of Dolls (La Isla de las Muñecas) is an eerie, creepy destination in a borough of Mexico City south of the city center.
The legend tells of a man who found a drown girl in the canal by his home. He also found her doll and hung it from a tree as a sign of respect. But he started hearing whispers, footsteps, and anguished wails in the darkness even though his hut-hidden deep inside the woods of the borough of Xochimilco-was miles away from civilization. Driven by fear, he spent the next fifty years hanging more and more dolls, some missing body parts, all over the island in an attempt to appease what he believed to be the drowned girl's spirit. Watch the video to see what happens.
This episode starts with an overview of the map of Mexico and then drills down to Mexico City and its 16 boroughs including Xochimilco. This borough has canals (like Venice) for transportation and tourism and chinampas for agriculture. Dan takes a look at the Day of the Dead and then finally to the scary Island of Dolls.
The Hispanic Roundtable hosted their 2024 community convention on Saturday September 21,2024. It featured a Naturalization Ceremony, workshops for immigration, financial and medical advice, student contests, health screenings, a resource fair and more. The keynote presentation was a conversation between HRT co-founder José C. Feliciano and EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner Rita Moreno.
José C. Feliciano, US Magistrate Judge David A. Ruiz and Honorable José A. Villanueva
Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center in Cleveland Ohio was founded in 1989 as a family oriented center to serve the Latino youth and their families through programs and activities designed to foster cultural pride and art appreciation. On Saturday September 14, 2024 they celebrated their 10th annual Celebrando which is dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latino communities in Cleveland. It's a vibrant and engaging occasion filled with music, dance, and traditional cuisine, as well as educational and artistic presentations.
Doors to My Barrio at Julia de Burgos features old doors as canvases for artists to paint about the land of their heritage including Bolivia, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru, Guatemala, Cuba, Venezuela and more. Watch a video tour.
The annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 4, 2024.
The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
Rafael Hernandez Brito, Omar Vizquel and Carlos Baerga
A Good Friday Procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2024. It began at La Sagrada Familia Church at 7719 Detroit Ave. on Cleveland's West Side. The procession included Bishop Michael Woost, other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, people carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more.
They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. We counted about 1,000 people in the Church. The final stop was at St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland.
The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish which was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.
This Church is home to worshippers from over 15 different Hispanic countries. The Carpets became an annual tradition in 2014 when their priest brought the custom from El Salvador. The carpets are a tradition there and in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other places.
Carpets of Holy Week
The Good Friday procession walks over them and then these beautiful creations are swept up. They only exist through Holy Week.
José C. Feliciano Awarded Cleveland Heritage Medal
The Cleveland Heritage Medal is bestowed upon individuals whose significant contributions through leadership, collaboration and service have left an indelible mark on all spheres of the Cleveland community. But for these extraordinary men and women, the magnificent story and history of Cleveland would not be what it is today. In a ceremony on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, José Feliciano, Sr. was the well-deserved recipient of this prestigious honor.
Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
The City of Cleveland brought Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 to an end in a big way with an event in the Rotunda of City Hall on October 13, 2023. Raul Hernandez Brito served as the MC. Rafael is also known affectionately as Rafa El Alcalde - The Mayor. He has been the Spanish voice of numerous professional sporting events and became the Spanish voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers two years ago.
Raul Hernandez Brito and Christopher Martinez
There were awards, cultural performances, a keynote by Dr. Shogi McLean and great food and music.
La Sagrada Familia Food Event for Hispanic Heritage Month in Cleveland
The City of Cleveland had many events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2023. This was a culinary competition and food tasting at La Sagrada Familia Church at 7719 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland.
Cleveland Hispanic Liaison Christopher Martinez was the MC.
Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Ceremony in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
The City of Cleveland kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with an event in the Rotunda of City Hall on September 15, 2023. There were awards, cultural performances, a keynote by Victor Ruiz and great food and music.
Pleibol is a fundraising weekend filled with games, food, and festive celebrations. This event pays tribute to the profound impact of Black and Latino individuals on the world of baseball. Pleibol spans three days leading up to Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month; A Gala Dinner Friday Night, Community Games on Saturday and The Tournament on Sunday. The goal is to honor the rich history of minorities in baseball while raising funds for two deserving organizations, Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center and Baseball Heritage Museum.
Carlos Baerga and Julia de Burgos dancers at Pleibol
On August 18, 2023 in Cleveland, members of the Dominican community gathered on the steps of Cleveland City Hall for a ceremony and then the raising of the flag of the Dominican Republic above the building. This was the first time the Dominican flag flew over City Hall.
The annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 6, 2023. The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
Good Friday Procession: St Michael the Archangel Church, St. Colman Church, La Sagrada Familia
A procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2023. It began in the mostly Puerto Rican St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland. Bishop Edward Malesic offered a welcome and prayer and then led the procession with other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, ladies carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more. They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. The final stop was at La Sagrada Familia Church on Detroit.
The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish on Cleveland's West Side, was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.
You can download and read the 2021 Annual Report for the Latino Affairs Commission. Their team is committed to innovate, adjust, and institute new ways to accomplish our mandates to advise the Governor and Legislature on issues affecting Latinos, to connect Latino and Latino serving organizations across the state, and to build the capacity of Latino leaders and grassroots organizations.
https://ochla.ohio.gov/static/2021%20Annual%20Report_Latino%20Affairs%20Commission.pdf
José C. Feliciano receives honorary degree from Tri-C
Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, and raised on Cleveland's near west side, Feliciano became the city's first major Hispanic public official when he was appointed chief prosecutor in 1980. Deeply committed to advancing Cleveland's Hispanic community, Feliciano founded the Hispanic Roundtable, the Hispanic Leadership Development Program, the Hispanic Community Forum and the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association.
José Feliciano receives honorary degree from Tri-C
2020
According to Wikipedia, Hispanic Americans are Americans of origins in Hispanic countries of Latin America or in Spain. This encompasses distinct sub-groups by national origin and race, and there is much diversity of race and ancestry within national origin groups as well.
In Cleveland, Puerto Ricans make up the largest part of the local Spanish-speaking population but there are growing communities from Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Colombia and other countries.
National Hispanic Heritage Month was first established as a week-long celebration by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
September 15th is the day of independence for five Latin American countries: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21 respectively.
Sometimes it is difficult to know the appropriate terms to use. I have asked friends of various heritages for their input and also relied on Wikipedia and other online sources. This is what I have found (posted 9-2020). The term Latino refers to people in the United States with cultural ties to Latin America. Latino usually includes Brazil. Usage of Latino is tied to the United States. Residents of Central and South American countries usually refer to themselves by national origin, rarely as Latino.
The term Hispanic usually does not include Brazil but Hispanic does include Spaniards, whereas Latino does not. Some have an issue with the masculine world Latino (as opposed to the feminine form Latina) so around 2004 the term Latinx started being used as a gender neutral variation.
The United States Census uses the ethnonym Hispanic or Latino to refer to "a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race". According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the majority (51%) of Hispanic and Latino Americans prefer to identify with their families' country of origin, while only 24% prefer the term Hispanic or Latino. U.S. official use of the term "Hispanic" has its origins in the 1970 census. The US Government said in 1997 "Because regional usage of the terms differs – Hispanic is commonly used in the eastern portion of the United States, whereas Latino is commonly used in the western portion."
You may also hear the term Chicano (or Chicana) used to describe people of Mexican descent born in the United States. My Mexican friends have told me that it is mostly a western (California) term that was made popular by a 1970’s sitcom called Chico and the Man starring Freddie Prinze who was half Mexican and half Puerto Rican. I have never heard someone in NE Ohio use the term Chicano.
Our Chilean Ambassador Marcia Moreno prefers Chilena (or Chilean) with Latina as second.
Eduardo Romero prefers American-Peruvian followed by Latino then Hispanic.
Hall of Fame inductee Jose Feliciano (Puerto Rican) says he personally prefers Hispanic. He adds “I, however, now see Hispanic/Latinx used frequently, covering the waterfront as Hispanic appealing to the older generation and Latinx to the younger.”
Letitia Lopez (Puerto Rican) personally uses Latina but says Hispanic works too. She is not a fan of Latinx.
Melissa Rojas (Costa Rica) prefers Latina.
Isabel Galvez was born in Lima so prefers Peruvian. She says if she has to give a regional term, South American, Latin American, or if this is in Spanish, Latina. She adds “However, if for some specific reason, it is important to infer that I have dual citizenship, because I am also a US Citizen, you can say Peruvian American, but I was born in Lima, Peru.”
Our Mexican Ambassador Andrea Villalon uses Hispanic and Mari Galindo prefers Mexican American.
We have learned that people are very willing to share their heritage and culture so it’s always respectful to ask if there is a preferred term.
2019
51st Annual Puerto Rican Parade
The 51st annual Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade was held Sunday August 4th. The Parade was put on by the Hispanic Police Officers' Association (HPOA) which has been proudly serving it's members and the greater Cleveland community since it was founded in 1986.
After the 2019 Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade, the crowds gathered at Roberto Clemente Park for a Festival with music, food, camaraderie and dignitaries.
Baseball Diversity (Latino, Women, etc.) Exhibit at Cleveland All-Star Game
Major League Baseball presented Play Ball Park at the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland. Here is a look at an exhibit showcasing the diversity of Baseball. First the international game - London, Mexico, Tokyo. Then Hispanic legends like Roberto Clemente and the Latino Legacy and also Women in baseball.
2018
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
The annual “Day of the Dead” honors the memory of those who have passed and is a treasured holiday in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Activities included indoor and outdoor altar and art installations, Latin food, live music, performances, and a colorful “Skulls & Skeletons” procession.
Ready for the Skulls and Skeletons procession
The city of Cleveland celebrated Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with a vibrant cultural celebration for the whole family centered around 62nd and Detroit.
Mexican community at International Cleveland Community Day
International Cleveland Community Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art is a celebration of the rich diversity of our region’s multiethnic communities, featuring traditional music and dance performances, cultural displays, and ingallery experiences. During this vibrant afternoon, visitors enjoyed presentations from more than 50 community groups expressing the continued vitality of the global cultures and arts that enliven our city.
The Mexican community was well represented banners, information tables and a performance by Comite Mexicano.
According to the Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade website "A parade celebration of Puerto Rican arts and culture has been observed by Cleveland's Puerto Ricans each summer since the late 60s. Its purpose has been to bring together the city's residents and to educate the community-at-large about the rich Puerto Rican culture. As we celebrate 50 years of history, we welcome the next organizers, Hispanic Police Officers' Association, and look forward to a gleaming future for this event.
Ivan "Papo" Ruiz, Padrino and Selina Pagan, Madrina of the Parade
The Puerto Rican Parade of Greater Cleveland carries a strong history of cultural awareness, pride, and education, led by a resilient community who's love for their homeland, spirit of freedom, justice, and unity have never waivered. After 50 years, when the Parade's founders first celebrated their Puerto Rican heritage in the City of Cleveland, we proudly continue this legacy."
After the 2018 Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade, the crowds gathered at Roberto Clemente Park for a Festival with music, food, camaraderie and dignitaries.
Officer Emmanuel Velez and 2018 Miss Puerto Rican Image Nayeli Claudio and Runnerup Aleishka Marrero
The Cleveland Indians hosted Hispanic Heritage Night on Friday, Sept. 15 at Progressive Field as part of Major League Baseball’s broader Hispanic Heritage Month efforts.
The Tribe played host to a large group of Hispanic fans at Progressive Field that evening, plus a DJ played the club’s players’ favorite Latin music throughout the game.
The Tribe’s 40-man roster includes 13 players of Hispanic descent, including fan favorites Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramírez, Carlos Carrasco, Edwin Encarnación and more. On Opening Day, 235 players -- almost 30 percent of the league -- were of Latino descent and in a recent ESPN poll, more than 60 percent of Hispanic people living in the U.S. consider themselves fans of Major League Baseball.
Every 3 years Convencion Hispana is put on in Cleveland by the Hispanic Roundtable. The 2016 Convencion was held at Max Hayes High School on West 65th Street. This free assembly provided education, empowerment, health and workforce development resources for Northeast Ohio's Latino community.
One highlight of the Convencion was the discussion led by Hispanic Roundtable president Jose Feliciano with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish.
Jose Feliciano and Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo
The legendary Rita Moreno came to Cleveland to be the keynote speaker at the 2016 Convencion Hispana. The evening before she was a guest at a preview reception at Baker Hostetler where Hispanic Roundtable president Jose Feliciano practices law.
Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican-American actress and singer. Her career has spanned over 70 years; among her notable acting work are supporting roles in the musical films The King and I and West Side Story, as well as a 1971–77 stint on the children's television series The Electric Company, and a supporting role on the 1997-2003 TV drama Oz.
José Feliciano with grandson Ciarán and dancers from Mexico
Mayor Frank Jackson with José Feliciano with grandson Ciarán
Hispanic Roundtable Convención Hispana 2016 Kickoff Event
Hispanic Roundtable Chairman Jose Feliciano and Debbie and Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com invited over 100 leaders of various ethnic communities in Cleveland to a preview event at Moncho's Bar & Grill where he explained the Convención and urged them to inform their communities.
Mariachi Band for Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mexican Immigrant Family
A group of Mexican immigrants from Painesville and Polish parishioner met in front of St Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland to pray for a Miracle from the Polish icon Our Lady of Czestochowah and her Mexican counterpart Our Lady of Guadalupe to keep the family of Carmen Camarillo of Painesville together. Mariachi Santa Cecilia of Painesville performed.
Outside St Casimir Church on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Grupo Tepehuani Nelli pre-Hispanic era dances at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Grupo Tepehuani Nelli performed pre-Hispanic era dances in beautiful Mexican Aztec costumes at the Cleveland Museum of Art's International Cleveland Community Day in the Atrium of the museum.
Mr Vicente M. Sanchez Ventura and the Mexican Consulate from Detroit sponsored a Mariachi Band to perform at the Cleveland Museum of Art's International Cleveland Community Day in the Atrium of the museum.
The HOLA Mexican Dancers performed classic Mexican dances at the City of Cleveland's 2015 Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
The City of Cleveland celebrates Cinco de Mayo out of respect for its Mexican population specifically but for the Hispanic and broader community as well. A luncheon event was held at Cleveland City Hall on May 5, 2015.
Honorable José A. Villanueva inducted into Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Honorable José A. Villanueva was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame on April 29, 2015. Judge Villanueva was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Judge Villanueva has served in the General Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas since 1988. His election marked the first time a member of the Hispanic Community achieved elective office in Cuyahoga County. He also became the first Hispanic elected county-wide in the state of Ohio.
Judge Villanueva is a founder of the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association, the Hispanic Community Forum and the Hispanic Roundtable. In 2014 Judge Villanueva was honored by the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association, receiving the organization's first Leadership and Community Service Award.
Honorable José A. Villanueva was inducted by José Feliciano Over 500 people attended the induction ceremony on April 29, 2015 at the Marriott at Key Center.
When news of the unaccompanied children crossing the US-Mexico border was released, concerned citizens in Cleveland started meeting regularly to see how they could help. They formed the Children's Coalition and their regular meetings led to a community information night. Over 100 people attended the information session at Saigon Plaza at West 54th and Detroit to learn and speak about the Unaccompanied Children and Mothers.
A young mother named Beatrice told her story of how she and her family fled from Mexico because of the threats to her and her family from gangs and criminals. Her husband was even kidnapped. She is now in the US, wearing an ankle bracelet, and checks in with immigration frequently but is not in fear as she was in Mexico.
MetroHealth Medical Professionals and the Hispanic Community of Cleveland
A panel of MetroHealth Medical Professionals discussed the health concerns of the Hispanic Community of Greater Cleveland at a special event on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at MetroHealth Medical Center - Rammelkamp Research Center. The forum was sponsored by MetroHealth Medical Center, Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexican Ministry of Health and LULAC-Cleveland.
For example, Juan del Rincon Jarero, MD of the Department of Endocrinology at MetroHealth Systems, gave some thoughts about cultural differences to improve understanding of the Hispanic/Latino patient.
The Santa Cecilia Mariachi Band performed at the annual International Cleveland Community Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The band strolled the Atrium before their performance and played the traditional Spanish folk corrido "La Cucaracha" which is Spanish for "The Cockroach". This song became popular in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution.
Cinco de Mayo at Cleveland City Hall
MetroHealth CEO Akram Boutros, MD was the keynote speaker at the City of Cleveland's Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
He told of the three important themes of Cinco de Mayo and how they relate to Cleveland and to MetroHealth hospital. He said "We are the solution and have collective power."
Special redocgnition awards were given to Pablo Castro III and Lucita Galindo.
Performances were by The Mariachi National Band and the Hola Folkloric Mexican Dance Group from Painesville
Martinez is a comic book artist but also a volunteer for Esperanza in Cleveland, Ohio. He worked with students from Esperanza on an art project that was influenced by the teens interviewing a senior citizen to learn about their lives. Though most of the kids said they couldn't draw, they learned that art is not about drawing.
Convención Hispana Preview Event at Sterle's Country House
When you have an event as important as the Convención Hispana coming up, you need a big kickoff preview. So the Hispanic Roundtable did just that. They invited leaders from the ethnic communities in Cleveland to a preview event at Sterle's.
Convención Hispana will be held on October 19th at St Ignatius High School in Cleveland. The event will feature a keynote speech by the rising star Mayor Julian Castro of San Antonio, TX.
José Feliciano, Chairman of the Hispanic Roundtable, said that the event is held every 3 years and besides the Julian Castro keynote will feature a debate on immigration reform, a job fair, college fair, health screenings and more.
Esperanza Fiesta of Hope scholarship winner Jacob Rivera
Jacob Rivera was announced as the recipient of the Esperanza and Cleveland State University Scholarship at the annual Esperanza Fiesta of Hope 2013 event.
83 scholarships were awarded to deserving Hispanic students at the event. Felicia Soto, Board president of Esperanza in Cleveland, introduced Jacob who spoke about his family.
Maria Pujana inducted into 2013 Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Maria Pujana was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame by Len Komoroski, CEO of Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena on May 8, 2013.
Len Komoroski gives Maria Pujana her Cleveland International Hall of Fame award
Honduran students represented their culture at the 2013 Culture Shock event which was put on by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) West and the Parma City School District.
Tri-C West April 18, 2013. Miss Puerto Rican Image 2012 Aidelis Rivera performed at the 2013 Culture Shock event which was put on by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) West and the Parma City School District.
Organizations and Resources for Hispanics in Cleveland
Esperanza, Inc. To enhance educational and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans
Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center The Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Puerto Rican and Caribbean traditions through the teaching and practice of the visual, performing, & literary arts.
The dark blue represents countries where Spanish has official status. The light blue is where Spanish is spoken without official recognition.
Read more about the Hispanic and other Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Hispanic community, please contact us.
