Sierra Community House is proud to celebrate Día de los Muertos, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Promotora Month. Día de los Muertos is a vibrant holiday not just honoring those who have passed; it’s also a celebration of rich cultural traditions and values. For our team members Abigail Aguiniga and Sharon Silva, their Hispanic heritage is deeply rooted in family and cultural pride, which they shared more about below.
Dia de Los Muertos is a well-recognized Mexican holiday but there are various cherished Hispanic cultural traditions. Abigail cherishes gatherings that celebrate Independence Day with traditional music and food, while Sharon fondly recalls the joy of baile folklórico, a dance that embodies the spirit of Hispanic culture. “I love how our culture is full of color, music and expression, so full of raw emotions and heart. We are passionate people,” shares Sharon Silva, Early Learning & Parenting Program Supervisor.
When asked how her heritage has shaped her professional journey, Abigail Aguiniga, Promotora Program Coordinator, shared, “My heritage has shaped me by instilling solid values and principles that support my Hispanic community.” She emphasizes the importance of using her cultural knowledge with peers to strengthen bonds and contribute to building better communities. This was highlighted at a recent Promotora Conference with Vision y Compromiso, where our team celebrated the unique role promotoras have in keeping our communities prospering and healthy. Promotoras are a community of women giving, sharing, and changing their families through education, information and advocacy.
“Thank you, Vision y Compromiso for celebrating the unique role promotoras have in keeping our communities prospering and healthy. It was great connecting with leaders that have uplifted the Promotora Model and have opened opportunities for this workforce to grow!” said Felicity Beallo, Community Engagement Manager.
When it comes to embracing Hispanic roots, Sharon offers valuable advice: “If you’re looking to embrace your Hispanic heritage, explore family, community, and traditions.”
- Family: Call your abuelitos and ask them about their past; understanding the hardships your ancestors faced helps you connect more deeply with your roots, culture, and the people you build community with. Learn about our family strengthening services here.
- Community: Invite your neighbor to share a meal or start a virtual food drive, as breaking bread is a universal language of love and connection in Mexican culture.
- Traditions: For any upcoming holiday, incorporate a piece of tradition into your celebrations—try some buñuelos, hit a piñata, or join us at an upcoming event,
The contributions of the Hispanic community are integral to the identity of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. This Día de los Muertos, we encourage everyone to explore family traditions, strengthen community bonds, and celebrate the cultural practices that enrich our lives. Together, we can keep our heritage alive and vibrant. Happy Día de los Muertos!
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