Hispanic Heritage Month – Rebozo Revival

September 15th to October 15th has been designated National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here, in Central California, there is much to celebrate.

The Rebozo Revival is one of the exciting events being held this week. This five-day celebration was founded by rebozo expert Lourdes Sevilla. She has brought four master weavers from Mexico to exhibit their rebozos and to demonstrate their weaving skills.

 

A rebozo is a traditional long, flat garment used by many Mexican women. They are often used as shawls, head scarves, and baby carriers. The traditional rebozos are made of different textiles, colors, and decoration depending on the region where they are made.

 

At Monday night’s opening ceremonies, beautiful rebozos were displayed. I had the opportunity to meet two sisters, Xunkoi  and Yolanda Hernandea from Zincantan, Chiapas, who were excited to share their rebozos.

 

 

 

The Rebozo Revival festivities include a fashion show, storytelling, and workshops.

To learn more about the Rebozo Revival take a look at this article in The Collegian, Fresno State’s student newspaper.

REFORMA de Fresno, the newest chapter of ALA’s national REFORMA group, is proud to be a sponsor of the Rebozo revival. We have put together a list of resources which will be added to over time.

Reformista and Young People’s Poet Laureate 2017-2019, Margarita Engle, wrote a beautiful haiku to celebrate the rebozo:

 

 

Jasmin La Caris of Fresno created created a mesmerizing dance celebrating the rebozo:

 

 

Children will be interested in learning more about rebozos and their many uses in the bilingual picture book What Can You Do With a Rebozo?/¿Qué puedes hacer con un rebozo?  by Carmen Tafolla (author) and Amy Cordova (illustrator) 

 

 

 

For those in the Fresno area, go to Petunia’s Place, a locally owned independent book store which specializes in books for children, on Saturday, September 30th for a Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Renown authors Margarita Engle and Gary Soto will be signing their books and there will be a performance by Folkloric Dancers.

Bravo!

p.s.

I want to give a shout out to Sandra Rios Balderrama, president of REFORMA de Fresno for her encouragement and enthusiasm and to my field trip buddy, Amy Roberts for her photos and willingness to accompany me wherever the road may go.