A Latin experience: How the past is remembered

Every four years the Latino community in Utah comes together to remember their roots through an event called Luz de Las Americas (Lights of America).

This is the biggest Latin cultural event in the United States, with more than 500 performers representing many nations and more than 40,000 spectators.

It was my privilege to participate and contribute this weekend as I represented my country, Paraguay, and the meaning of my heritage.

In preparation for this event, we rehearsed for over 5 months and strived to reconnect at a deeper level with our purpose. In addition, to the through planning required for this event, all attire was specifically imported from the countries that were to be represented.

Annya Becerra, who represents Guatemala, said, "It's given us the opportunity to be transmitted internationally. So really, it's an outreach that we're going to do worldwide. So, that's exciting."

"Every country has its flavor, its color and life," said Costume Director Carla Montesino. "I just hope that through the designs we can really express what these cultures are really about and how wonderful their music and their culture really is."

Through this experience I was able to portray what it means to be Latino and be edified from the enthusiasm and dedication of the people I was able to rub shoulders with as we worked together to transmit the very essence of our kind and tender culture. It was even more rewarding for to see that despite language and cultural barriers that might exist, those of other backgrounds were touched and able to feel the warmth of our culture.

Source: www.ksl.com (LDS Latino community shares culture, faith with performance)