Somos Cultura y Más

05/31/2026

Juan Alonso Rodriguez creates a molinillo from a single piece of alder wood. The brown color is burned into the wood by applying a piece of pine which has lots of resin. This makes the molinillo safe to use with food, as it is not painted.

05/31/2026

As we bid farewell to Sergio Zapata, the brilliant Director of the Mexican Cultura Institute, we say thank you, for opening the Institute to more than just traditional art. Beyond the gallery walls, Segio has gathered experts from many fields to bring events and exhibits to the Instituto.
We were honored to be invited to share "EL ENCANTO DE CHOCOLATE" our research and event on the history of cacao and its transformation into the chocolate that we love so much. Sergio's vison of the MCI was to find and present the art and culture in food, beverages, music, history, dance, holidays, and yes, art.

05/18/2026

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05/03/2026

Gracias :)

05/01/2026

It's tiiiiime!

04/30/2026

Today April 30, is Dia del Niño! There are so many reasons to focus on the young people and to keep them top of mind. When the National Latino Children's Institute brought this celebration to San Antonio in 1998, we asked children what their wish was for the day was. Some children wanted to excel in school, others hoped for a family member to have good health, but the majority wanted exclusive time with their loved ones. Some said, "I wish my parents didn't have to work so hard", and others said, "I just want my dad to be with me, no phones, no work, just me and him doing something fun". Here's the opportunity.

04/28/2026

It's almost time!
Save the date: May 2 @ Mission Branch Library
Time: 10 am - 2 pm

12/24/2025

Today is the last day of LAS POSADAS, the nine days in which people in Mexico and the borderlands recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem in search of a "posada". The word "posada" means shelter. At some time in our lives all of us will seek posada - a safe place to be.

While Las Posadas includes setting up a "nacimiento" (nativity scene), gathering family and friends to participate, singing the traditional words to request shelter at three doors, and finally being invited to enter, eat, and celebrate, there is so much more to this ancient tradition and its celebration in the borderlands.

The tradition was begun as a way to instruct the indigenous people of the Americas about Catholicism and the story of Jesus born on Christmas Day. Today it is also about renewing family traditions and creating bonds among the family. Everyone looks forward to the annual posadas.

In these complicated political times, seeking posada means so much more. At Somos Cultura y Más, we research topics such as this one and design events and products to help families preserve and share cultura with the next generation. Children who grow up knowing their family's history and heritage are more confident develop strong identities, are more resilient in the face of adversity and are more successful in school and later in life.

The word "Somos" means all of us. We invite you to become part of our work. Share your stories, volunteer at our events, and support our mission by purchasing the cultural items we develop or curate. Learn more about our work and download activities form the Las Posadas Book on our website. https://www.somosculturaymas.org/navidad.
The book is available for purchase at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Latino Book Store or as a Cultura Kit with supplies and activities by clicking here. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/el-mercado . Cultura Kits cannot be mailed. Please plan to pick them up in person.
You can also make a tax-deductible donation to support our work.
We wish you a blessed Christmas!