As part of the “Celebration of Chicano Culture” series of cultural events currently scheduled at El Camino College, a combined music and dance performance was held at the Marsee Auditorium on Tuesday, May 1.

This event was hosted by EC history professor, Xocoyotzin Herrera and EC Spanish professor, Argelia Andrade.

The Herrera Family’s music ensemble, Conjunto Hueyapan (“a place by the coast”), played Son Jarocho music from the Vera Cruz area. Professor Herrera gave a brief explanation about this type of music, and about the types of instruments typically used. He then sang and played the arpa jarocha (Vera Cruz harp) and the jarana jarocha (eight-stringed guitar).

The Trío Chicontepec music ensemble showcased Son Huasteca, music from the Huasteca area which includes Veracruz, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Querétaro and Puebla.

The Conjunto Hueyapan and Trío Chicontepec ensembles then joined in a light-hearted collaboration, with décimas (improvised verses) and bromas (jokes) flying back and forth.

Andrade’s dance ensemble Nuestras Raíces (“our roots”) performed Mexican folkloric dances such as the zapateado, to the tunes played by both musical groups. Andrade herself danced as well.

Cultural pride emanated from the hosts and from all three ensembles, which the audience could appreciate fully during the course of the colorful event.