SEQUIM — Enough, for now, of the debate over immigration policy. We could use a breather, and we could use a party at the end of the work week. So says Narciso Marcial, a leader of Sequim’s Mexican-American community.
Saturday evening, Marcial will host a celebration of life, youth and the flavorful blend of two cultures on the North Olympic Peninsula.
He and dance teacher Vicky Barreda will present the Mexican Folk Dancers of Sequim, a group of performers age 7 to 21.
Their show is the centerpiece of a Mexican Independence Day party, replete with homemade tamales, enchiladas and other traditional dishes, on sale from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carrie Blake Park.
“We would like to invite all of the community to celebrate with us,” said Marcial, a longtime Port Angeles resident who owns a landscape maintenance firm.
Sept. 16, 1810 — Mexican Independence Day — was the day Mexico was liberated from Spanish rule.
Today it’s an occasion to celebrate the best of Mexican heritage — and it’s a far more significant holiday than Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates a victory over French forces at Puebla, Mexico.
Growing population
“Before now, the Mexican community was pretty small” on the Peninsula, said Marcial, 46.
But as more Mexicans settle here, and work in restaurants, on farms or, like him, start their own businesses, immigrants become permanent members of the community.
“We have children born in this country. So they’re Americans, with Mexican parents,” Marcial added.
“We thought: Why not teach them our culture?”
Barreda, an eight-year resident of Sequim, teaches children and teens the folkloric dances of several Mexican states.
In performances during parades and festivals, they wear authentic costumes from Veracruz and Guadalajara.
“It’s a hard job,” marshaling the youngsters, said Barreda, a native of Guerrero, Mexico, who cleans houses for a living.
“But I have to dance.”
Marcial added that the after-school rehearsals and performances give kids a positive outlet for their energy, as well as pride in their culture.
Sequim has met the dancers with enthusiasm, Marcial said.
One Saturday in August, the group performed at the Sequim Open Aire Market and drew a crowd — that showered them with donations.
After the performance this Saturday, the party will culminate in a public dance featuring Cash, a Mexican band from Seattle.
Admission is $10, and proceeds help the dancers pay for costumes, hall rental and other expenses.
“There will be ranchera [a Mexican musical genre], and cumbias,” Marcial said, “and a little bit of everything.”
