CLEVELAND, OH: In 2025, AlmaVision: Cultura y Más continues its mission of sharing and preserving Mexican culture in Cleveland. This year, programming for Son Jarocho and a new Baile Folklórico workshop has found a home at Brownhoist, located at 4310 St. Clair Ave. These programs bring together community members to learn, experience, and celebrate the rich traditions of Mexican music and dance.
Cleveland Son Jarocho
AlmaVision: Cultura y Más hosts a weekly Son Jarocho workshop every Saturday, providing participants the opportunity to learn this vibrant traditional music from Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. Attendees engage in playing the jarana, performing sones, and practicing zapateado, fostering both musical skills and a sense of community. The workshop is open to all skill levels, welcoming beginners and experienced musicians alike to immerse themselves in this centuries-old tradition.
The workshops are led by Diego Gonzalez, a musician originally from California’s Salinas Valley, where he was immersed in the rich traditions of Mexican culture. Diego’s passion for Son Jarocho was inspired by Teatro Campesino performances and his father’s Los Folkloristas records. He has played with the Son Jarocho collective Son Cosita Seria and participated in workshops with Son La Lucha, connecting with communities across the U.S. and Mexico. A milestone for Cleveland Son Jarocho was reached on May 21, 2024, when the group performed at Carnaval in the Land, marking what is believed to be the first public Son Jarocho performance in Cleveland. The program continues to grow, connecting participants to a larger network of Son Jarocho communities. Workshops are held every Saturday. To register, email almavisioncle@gmail.com.
Bailes Folklóricos de México
This year, AlmaVision: Cultura y Más is proud to introduce a new Baile Folklórico workshop, led by the experienced dancers Lilly Corona Moreno and Nalleli Ornelas. Both Lily and Nalleli have dedicated years to preserving the rich traditions of folkloric dance. Lilly founded the dance group Tepehuani Nelli, which has performed all over Cleveland. Together, Lilly and Nalleli aim to share their expertise in this vibrant art form, teaching participants the steps, stories, and cultural significance behind the dances of Mexico. Their passion for Mexican folklore will help foster deeper cultural connections and encourage community engagement through dance.
Celebrate Mexican culture with music and traditional dances! This weekly workshop will run from March through November. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Mexican folkloric dance including basic steps, skirt movement, history of the dances, and traditional attire. The focus of this workshop is to pass on the skills and knowledge to keep this art form alive and thriving for future generations. The workshop is open to participants age 18 and over, and is suitable for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or have previous dance experience.
Bailes Folklóricos de México:
Every Wednesday starting March 12th
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Registration fee: $25
Click the link to register: https://forms.gle/dJV1VydSkHvRx6VZ8
About AlmaVision: Cultura y Más
AlmaVision: Cultura y Más is dedicated to serving the Mexican and other underrepresented communities by providing artistic and cultural opportunities, ensuring exposure and proper representation. Through programs like Cleveland Son Jarocho and Bailes Folklóricos de México, AlmaVision: Cultura y Más fosters a deeper connection to cultural heritage while creating spaces for artistic expression and community engagement.