Party Held for Immigrants on Their International Day – During this holiday season, several campaigns have been held around the country to collect cards and gifts for recently-arrived immigrants. In Oakland, California, on International Migrant Day, representatives of several religious denominations celebrated a traditional posada party at the First Hispanic Presbyterian Church, where several Central-American families have recently arrived, fleeing violence in their countries. About 100 people met at the church to sing, eat tamales, and receive gifts. Our intern reporter, Danae Valenzuela, went to the posada and prepared this collage.
Indigenous Families in California Keep Oaxacan Tradition Alive – Carving mini sculptures using radishes is a Christmas tradition in the Mexican state of Oaxaca since the 19th century. It appears to have started when vegetable-growers began to decorate their stands with figurines made of radishes during this season, to attract more clients. Over time, the Night of the Radishes has become a folk festival that brings together whole families who make artwork collectively. With migration to the North, this tradition was established in Los Angeles more than a decade ago. Our correspondent Rubén Tapia reports from this year’s celebration. This feature is part of our series “Raíces: Stories About Grassroots Artists”.
