Pereira, right, shows visitor her hand made and painted boxes
POUGHKEEPSIE – Thousands of Mid-Hudson residents attended the seventh annual La Guelaguetza festival on the Poughkeepsie waterfront on Sunday The Mexican cultural celebration included song and dance as well as handcrafted items and a varied menu of Mexican food.
The event was also celebrated on Sunday in the city of Oaxaca, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.
The day’s festivities were highlighted by costumed performers from the eight regions of the state.
The word “Guelaguetza” comes from the Zapotec language and is meant as a time to exchange gifts and services to one another.
Handcrafted items were on display and available for sale, including those designed by Norma Pereira of Carmel, who has a reputation around the region for creating wooden gift boxes as well as painting beautiful artworks reflective of her Latin American cultural roots.
