Casa Círculo Cultural had an incredibly busy and productive week from Sunday, September 15, to Sunday, September 22, filled with activities that showcased the organization's dedication to community engagement, cultural preservation, and the arts.
Sunday, September 15: Mexican Flag Raising Ceremony and Folkloric Performance
The week kicked off in grand fashion with raising the Mexican flag in downtown Redwood City, an honor conducted by Casa Círculo Cultural to celebrate Mexico's Fiestas Patrias. The Mayor, City Council members, and representatives from the Latino Community Council of Redwood City (LCCRC) were all in attendance to commemorate the occasion.
AT 3:00 PM, CASA CIRCULO CULTURAL PARTICIPATED IN A FIESTAS PATRIAS 2024, The event opened with a stunning 30-minute folkloric dance performance by the adults and youth groups led by Maestro Omar Quezada and Maestro Eduardo Torres. The captivating dance program was a celebration highlight, bringing cultural pride to life through movement. Meanwhile, staff and volunteers were hand-selling beer to raise funds for the LCCRC, making the day meaningful and impactful.
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On Tuesday, September 17, Casa Círculo
Cultural received a Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month from the San Mateo
County Board of Supervisors. Anna Lee Mraz Bartra, Strategic Impact
Coordinator, graciously accepted the honor on behalf of Casa Círculo and
thanked the board for recognizing the organization’s cultural contributions.
Meanwhile, I had the privilege of attending the Nonprofit Management Institute at Stanford University from September 16 to 17, an enriching experience that will further empower our leadership and Casa Círculo's mission.
On the evening of the 17th, I attended a Planning Commission meeting at Redwood City Council chambers. Important local issues were discussed, further involving our organization in community dialogue and development.
Wednesday, September 18: Welcoming Star Award Ceremony
Our week continued with celebration as Wendy Segovia, ELOP Manager, and Roxy Escamilla, Program Assistant, represented Casa Círculo at the Welcoming Star Award ceremony.
Thursday, September 19: A Day of Cultural Gatherings and Celebrations
On Thursday, September 19, Anna Lee Mraz participated in the Mosaic San Mateo County BIPOC Artists Convening, contributing her voice to the conversation about representation and equity in the arts. That same evening, Wendy Segovia, Anna Lee Mraz, and I attended the Silicon Valley Community Foundation's Local Chapter of the Press Forward Initiative at Mountain View Center for the Arts. It was an excellent opportunity to align with other local organizations supporting community causes.
Friday, September 20: Dinner Celebration for Sister Cities
On the evening of September 20, Casa Círculo Cultural and the City of Redwood City hosted a dinner and celebration to honor Redwood City’s Sister Cities program. The evening featured a delicious dinner, a folkloric show directed by Maestro Omar Quezada, and the opening of the exhibition "Somos Redwood City," featuring photographs by Manuel Ortiz. The installation "Shadows of Guernica" was displayed alongside these festivities, adding a powerful reflection on the legacy of war and peace to the celebration.
Redwood City’s Mayor Jeff Gee conducted the ceremony, during which representatives from each Sister City—Aguililla, Mexico; Ciudad Guzmán, Colima; and Zhuhai, China—receive beautifully sculpted “Tree of Life” artworks created by Fernando Escartiz. These sculptures, representing the icons of each city, were gifted as symbols of our shared connection and cultural exchange.
City Council members attended the celebration, the Fire Department of Redwood City, Redwood City International, and many other community members, making it a truly animated and heartwarming event.
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Saturday was an eventful day, starting with Casa Círculo volunteer Maria Lazo attending the Storytelling event at Filoli, a historical estate in Woodside, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Her participation highlighted the deep connections between storytelling and cultural preservation that Casa Círculo greatly values.
The theme, Voices of Unity, was a heartfelt tribute to our community's diversity and the strength that comes from embracing inclusion.
Council Member Chris Sturken delivered inspiring remarks while CCC's children’s group presented an exceptional ballet performance that brought together Latino and Chinese youth, celebrating cultural unity through the grace and beauty of dance.
Melissa Maldonado, a parent from CCC, moved the audience with her personal immigration story, further highlighting the importance of sharing experiences that transcend borders.
The event also featured the play Stone Salsa, written and directed by Sara Trupski, a bilingual twist on the classic tale of acceptance and unity. The play’s message resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of standing together in times of division.
A voter registration table was present at the event. Today, Vicky Ávila, representing Casa Círculo Cultural in collaboration with The League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County, promoted voter registration and pre-registration for youth over 16, as well as provided information.
-Wendy Segovia, the ELOP coordinator, and Roxana Escamilla, the program assistant, attended the first in-person session of a professional development course called LETRS. This course focuses on techniques and the science behind learning to read, targeting children from infancy through kindergarten. The training spans seven months and consists of reading materials, online assessments, case studies, and two in-person sessions. The next in-person session is scheduled for March of next year.
Sunday, September 22: Craft Workshop and Electrifying Folkloric Dance Performance
On Sunday, September 22, Casa Círculo staff went to Filoli to conduct a craft workshop for children, continuing the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The craft activity was a huge success, engaging families and young children in artistic expression and cultural learning.
The day continued with an electrifying performance from Casa Círculo’s Folkloric Dance Group at the San Mateo Caltrain Station. The performance was part of a larger celebration for the launch of the new electric train. Dancers, under the direction of Maestro Omar Quezada, delighted onlookers with their colorful costumes and lively performances, marking another key moment for both Casa Círculo and the community.
Also, as a treat from the San Mateo Sheriff Office we got 100 tickets to take our students to a concert called “Kids pop”.
A Special Thanks to Our Dedicated Team
I want to thank all the board members, staff, volunteers, students, and their families for their incredible contributions during this busy week.
Despite the many obligations of our regular programming, you all went above and beyond to ensure the success of each event. Your dedication, energy, and passion make Casa Círculo Cultural a thriving community.
From assisting with performances, organizing workshops, and supporting our fundraising efforts to simply showing up with a smile, your efforts did not go unnoticed. Because of you, we were able to accomplish so much and continue making a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for your unwavering support!
Looking Ahead
As we look back on this extraordinary week, we are reminded of the power of community, the importance of cultural preservation, and the value of inclusivity. Casa Círculo Cultural remains committed to these principles as we continue to host events, programs, and initiatives that enrich the lives of those we serve. This past week was a reflection of our work and a promise of what’s to come.
We look forward to more moments of celebration, unity, and growth in the weeks ahead as we prepare for our most significant event of the year—Día de los Muertos.
Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in
our mission to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage!
Verónica Escámez Martínez
Founder / Executive Director
Casa Círculo Cultural
