STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Learn about the region surrounding Oaxaca, Mexico, when the Hailey Public library continues its new “Cultura” series on Thursday.
Dirce Flores, a former professional dancer from a small town near Oaxaca, will share personal stories about her home country at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the library.
She will discuss the area’s multiple ethnic groups, pre-Hispanic ceremonial centers and the Guelaguetza, an annual indigenous cultural celebration. Then Flores, who has been teaching the youth of the Wood River Valley traditional dances through the Sun Valley Museum of Art, will conclude by demonstrating a traditional dance.
“There are over 20 countries in Central and South America, including Mexico,” said Kristin Fletcher, programs and community engagement manager at the library. “Each one has a rich, complex heritage, including remarkable histories, beautiful landscapes and unique foods, music, dance and cultural heroes. Our own community has become a melting pot of cultures as people have moved here, bringing their rich traditions with them.”
Cultura, which kicked off last week with a discussion of the memoir “Solita,” is not a travel guide to the next best place to visit. Rather it is an opportunity to learn about fascinating places from those who know them best of all, said Fletcher.
Cultura will continue on Sept. 28 when essica Maynard, who works for Visit Sun Valley, takes attendees on an armchair tour to Arequipa, Peru. Violinista and teacher Mauricio Molino will conclude the series on Oct. 8 with a presentation about Cali, Columbia.