Dia de la Independencia 2009.

Wow, I can't believe it's been a month since my last post. A lot has happened since but I haven't been posting. I will get it done as soon as I can and most importantly, as soon as I remember. But anyways, so yesterday was Independence Day and I tried snapping some photos. I took a few because I was trying to enjoy the show but here are the ones I managed to get. The fireworks went off in downtown San Jose and it was a mission trying to find a good spot.

Musica en el Parque: Long Gon Bon & Evolution.

On June 4, 2009, Long Gon Bon, a tribute band to AC/DC performed during Music in the Park in downtown San Jose at the Cesar Chavez Plaza along with Evolution, a tribute band to Journey. I was there covering the event for sponsor El Observador. I got to see many interesting people having a good time and everyone coming together through the power of music.

May Day 2009.

This is the first year that I didn't go to the annual May 1st march. Pero, I did get a chance to meet up at the end spot of the march. I ran into an all around activist and she asked if there was some way she can see my photos. I know I had a look of embarrassment, nodded and said yeah. The truth is, that she inspired me to keep my blog going. And for that I want to say "Gracias!" Adriana "Nana" Garcia. The thing that amazed me the most this day was the turnout, the weather was horrible. I remember it was actually sprinkling and I had to cover my camera underneath my sweater but yet there were a good chunk of people out in front of City Hall in downtown San Jose. I was so glad to run into familiar faces and I saw things that really got me thinking. It's amazing that people still have hope after all the discrimination they probably go through and all the hardships they have to endure. During that day, so many people were trying to cope with the financial problems all Americans are facing by selling the infamous "churro," Mexico's and the State's flag and of course "chicharrones," fruit cups, and "elotes." The fight for equal rights for all humans shall go on. Viva la Revolucion!

Mi Danzante Azteca Favorita

Burning copal is a very important element of any Aztec performance that includes a cleansing and dancing. No matter how often I see these danzantes, I'm always left speechless. I always say to myself that I want to join a group and learn how to dance but it hasn't happened. And when it does, I'll think twice about posting any photos. I like to think that there was a possibilty of having Aztec members in my family tree, so anything that has to do with the culture amazes me; so much that I tattooed the word on my body. Soon I'll take a photo of it.

Yuyi Morales

Mexican author and illustrator of children's books"Wait a Minute," visits the Biblioteca Latinoamericana in San Jose.

Combatiendo la Pobresa, Discriminacion e Ignorancia.

El Monumento a Cesar Chavez

Chale homies, I was going through my photos that I've taken since my last post and I realized I NEED to take more photos, but I did find some neat ones in the end. Like the ones right here. These are some of my favorite. Mostly because I was star struck. I can't believe I got to meet Dolores Huerta. She's a super sweet lady. 

Pero anyway, this is what I can remember: on Thursday, September 4, 2008 the Cesar Chavez monument was unveiled. The arch was designed by Judith Baca (the lady standing next to Dolores Huerta in the photo), she also painted the murals on the arch. Paul Chavez, son of Cesar Chavez was also there, as well as the co-founder of UFW; Dolores Huerta. 

The arch has a mural of Huerta, Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi and Chavez himself and a little fountain as well. It's pretty sick.

I also remember going back to campus because I wanted to see it at night that same day. I was hoping for lights and there are lights on it, but they're tiny. It all makes sense though, because the campus is well lit. Overall, that monument is awesome and people gotta check it out considering that it took TWO years to design it and paint it and all that good stuff.