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Mexican culture talk to include Spanish choir

Speaker series includes information about many Mexican traditions.

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By Mark McGregor, Staff Writer 10:27 PM Tuesday, December 6, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Mexican traditions will be the focus of the next talk in the Global Education and Peace Network series Thursday.

Maria Goeser, who grew up in Urbana and was raised by Mexican parents, will give the talk on traditions of Mexican families. Her talk will include information about the Pachanga party for a newborn, the Quinceañera celebration when a girl turns 15, weddings and holidays and the November Day of the Dead rituals.

Joining her will be members of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church’s Spanish choir who will sing Las Posadas, a Christmas tradition in Mexican culture.

The group has grown from a few members to about 12 since it began providing music in 2008 during Spanish Masses, said the Rev. Ed Gearhart of St. Teresa.

The choir presents Spanish hymns during Spanish masses at the church, normally 5 p.m. the first and third Sunday of the month, and traditional folk songs at other celebrations. They will perform at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 during Spanish Mass and after the Mass in Las Posadas on the lower level of the church, 1827 N. Limestone St.

“I think that they’ve grown dramatically in their ability and in the size of the group and they’re open to more,” Gearhart said.

The education series began after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks when the city led study circles to encourage dialogue about the tragedy. The series is in its 10th year.

For information, call Nancy Flinchbaugh at (937) 324-7696.

Life Passages in the Mexican Tradition

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Wittenberg University Shouvlin Center, Room 105, 737 N. Fountain Ave.

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