Crowds Enjoy Días de México

More than 1,500 people attended “Días de México: A Family Festival” at Westmont March 24, celebrating Mexico’s vibrant culture through dance and art. The event, which began with a youth soccer game on Thorrington Field, included dozens of activities and crafts for children. About 300 budding artists created tissue-paper flowers, crosses and ceramic tiles, while also learning about printmaking, tin art and weaving.

“I loved to see parents and grandparents working with their kids to create such innovative art projects,” says Judy L. Larson, director of the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art.

Westmont students volunteered to paint faces, apply temporary tattoos, break piñatas, tell stories in Spanish, model Mexican costumes and perform music. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed dance performances, Mexican songs and a stylish fashion show. Adams Center was brightly decorated, and the Mexican Mercado and food added to the festive spirit of the day.

Larson says that Westmont, which held a Japanese family festival in 2010, will continue to celebrate arts and culture every other year at the museum.