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Hispanic Heritage Celebration

La Cultura Speaks! Celebrate every shade of Albuquerque.

A young girl in a mariachi dress poses with a photo of an older relative also in a mariachi dress. Surrounding her is a collage-style frame comprised of a prickly pear cactus, a white flower, a yucca, and a yellow circle.

 

When the culture of Albuquerque speaks, it has stories to tell — so many amazing stories. Tales of tias grinding up herbs for a remedy passed down through generations, of grandmothers joining the Brown Berets to fight for the rights of all Chicanos, of families immigrating and melding cultures to create something entirely new.

 

 

Share your story and celebrate your legacy.

 

Speak Your Legacy

 

FEATURED STORIES

ISRAELAA young girl in a mariachi dress poses with a photo of an older relative also in a mariachi dress. Surrounding her is a collage-style frame comprised of a prickly pear cactus, a white flower, a yucca, and a yellow circle.

My name is Aria Faye Lugo and this is a photo of Israela Garcia, my great grandmother. When I spend the night, my great grandmother tells me stories so I can fall asleep, but she falls asleep first. I just love her so much. She teaches me my prayers, and dancing and singing and coloring and baking. She lets me dance at performances with my friends. Oh yeah! She's funny and she makes me laugh!

Israela Garcia, co-founder and director of Baila! Baila! Dance Academy, has dedicated over 34 years to teaching Ballet Folklorico. She founded the academy in 1990 with her sister Felissa to "preserve our culture through the arts." Garcia's work has impacted students from toddlers to seniors, fostering a deep cultural connection and instilling discipline through dance. Her commitment has brought joy and a sense of heritage to her students and audiences across New Mexico and beyond.

SHARE YOUR STORY. CELEBRATE YOUR LEGACY.

Share your heritage story and become a part of Albuquerque’s legacy.A young boy in a white button-up shirt poses with a vintage photo of an older relative. Surrounding him is a collage-style frame comprised of a prickly pear cactus, a white flower, a yucca, and a yellow circle.

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Here’s how to participate.

  1. Download the Story Tile.
  2. Fill out the lines with a story from your family.
  3. Share the tile to social with #LaCulturaSpeaks.
  4. Add in a photo if you have it, too.
  5. We’ll share your tile and photo on this page, so it becomes part of Albuquerque’s story.

Download the Story Tile

EXPLORE LA CULTURA

A filled form, La Cultura Speaks, for Hispanic Heritage that has fields for the name of your hero, who where they, what did they teach you, and what is your heritage. Text reads: "My father was a dedicate public servant for many years. The importance of putting family first and the value of hard work. I am Chicano and this is my legacy." The One Albuquerque logo appears in the lower right. Illustrated and photographical elements surround the edges, including a prickly pear cactus, a white flower, leaves, and a yellow circle. This is your legacy. Speak it. A filled form, La Cultura Speaks, for Hispanic Heritage that has fields for the name of your hero, who where they, what did they teach you, and what is your heritage. Text reads: "My great grandfather was a teacher and community leader. They taught me to share my passion and gifts. I am Hispanic and this is my legacy." The One Albuquerque logo appears in the lower right. Illustrated and photographical elements surround the edges, including a prickly pear cactus, a white flower, leaves, and a yellow circle. This is your legacy. Speak it. A filled form, La Cultura Speaks, for Hispanic Heritage that has fields for the name of your hero, who where they, what did they teach you, and what is your heritage. Text reads: "My great grandfather was a miller and farmer in northern NM. He taught me the importance of language and cultural identity. I am Native Nuevo Mexicana and this is my legacy." The One Albuquerque logo appears in the lower right. Illustrated and photographical elements surround the edges, including a prickly pear cactus. This is your legacy. Speak it.

OUR MISSION

La Cultura Speaks is a campaign by the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts & Culture. Our goal is to celebrate the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture in Albuquerque through stories of youth and their family legacies. Through stories we hope to honor, understand and build connections across our city.