By Deborah Frediani
Editor’s Note: All the pictures and videos that we took at Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe were lost. The event was very fun and colorful with lots of food and dancing… LITN.C looks forward to attending next year to take pictures and film. We apologize to those that thought we had filmed them. Technology happens….
This time of year is filled with traditions from many cultures around the world. We are lucky enough here in Weiser to have the opportunities to be a part of some of these special traditions. One of these traditions is the popular Mexican Christmas Dance. Jamie Perez explained to me how the ancient tradition of the dance celebrates the deep appreciation for the ancient ancestors or “Old People” as well as their parents for their hard working way of life. Jamie went on to explain how anyone age 5 to 50, male or female, could join in on the celebratory dance. Currently, the youngest dance members are a 6 year old boy and Jamie’s own 10 year old Daughter. Jamie went on to explain how he left his home in Michoacan, Mexico at the age of 14 for a better way of life. Jamie found work in the United States picking oranges and continued to travel back and fourth doing that until he earned a teaching degree. With teaching jobs being limited there, Jamie decided to move his family to the United States. Living in the Weiser area now, Jamie currently works for the railroad while 2 of his 4 kids are attending Idaho colleges. While his other Son lives and works in the Nampa area. It is apparent that Jamie has taught his kids that hard work and determination do pay off, something the great ancestors would be proud of. Jamie is very appreciative for all of the opportunities he and his family have been given, and they will continue to give back to the community in many ways.
