By Yadira Betances
Staff Writer
June 15, 2008 12:24 pm LAWRENCE — When Brian DePena came to Lawrence, there was dancing in the streets and beautiful senoritas dressed in white gowns with 5-inch tall rhinestone tiaras on their heads, leading a parade. The vibrancy of the Hispanic Week festival won him over, he said. DePena bought a house here, opened a hardware store and became involved in community activities, including the festival which attracted him to the city from New York in 1996. "Hispanic Week means hope, faith and harmony," said DePena, the festival's vice president. "We have hope that things will change and faith that all the work we've done will bear fruit." Hispanic Week, which began Friday and runs through June 22, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year under the theme, "Leaving Tracks." DePena and festival president Oneida Aquino said Hispanic Week has already done that by bringing together members of the 26 different Latin American countries. During the festival, immigrants from Latin America living in the area showcase their country's customs with art, food, music and dancing. People participating this year come from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Mexico, which joins the celebration for the first time in the history of the festival. Mexico honors its rich culture tonight at 7 at Mi Mexico Lindo Restaurant, 5 Pleasant St., Methuen. Aquino is happy to have Mexico represented. Keeping culture alive is key, Aquino and DePena say, as is securing the future of young Latinos, which is why the Hispanic Week Committee formed the Hispanic Week Youth Group for young adults ages 17 to 25. The youth group makes nursing home visits, works in the soup kitchen at Lazarus House, takes part in the Hike for Hope pledge walk and donates to charity. In 2007, they raised $700 for Hurricane Katrina victims and in 2006, they served as translators for victims of the Mother's Day floods who were asking FEMA for help. "We're not just a yearly festival, we remain active throughout the year to show we are active in the community," DePena said. Annually, the festival hosts a beauty pageant and presents college scholarships to the winners. "Giving out scholarships is one way we leave a legacy for the youth," Aquino said. "Many don't have the opportunity to succeed in life, and we're motivating them to continue." Aquino, 29, and a former pageant queen, said she is putting to use the skills she learned while organizing the Hispanic Week kickoff feast, as an event planner. She now runs her own business planning weddings and coming-of-age parties for Hispanic girls turning 15. "Hispanic Week is part of my life and my future," she said. "Today, I'm benefiting from what I've learned." With the focus on youth, the Hispanic Week Committee this year chose to honor three people (one for each decade of the festival) who have had an impact on the lives of city youngsters. Honored at Friday's VIP dinner were: Patricia Karl, a retired educator and founder of Lawrence Family Development Charter School; Steve Kelley of the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence; and Ralph Carrero, principal at Lawrence Family Development Charter School. The festival was dedicated to Isabel Melendez, founder of Hispanic Week. "It was emotional when I found out about the dedication," Melendez said. "It brings me back to when I started. I'm proud and privileged that it has continued and hope it will last much more."
Hispanic Week festivities Tonight Mexican night, 7 p.m., Mexico Lindo restaurant, 5 Pleasant St., Methuen. Peruvian night, Naturalization Center, 120 Broadway, 6 p.m. Monday Colombian night, 7 p.m., Cambridge College, 60 Island St. Ecuadorian night, 6 p.m., 123 Chestnut St. Tuesday Salvadorian night, 6 p.m., Galaxia Nightclub, 9 Appleton St. Wednesday Dominican night, 6 p.m., Pemberton Park, North Canal Street Thursday Puerto Rican night, 6 p.m., Pemberton Park, North Canal Street Friday and Saturday, Carnival at Campagnone Common, between Common and Haverhill streets. June 22, Hispanic Week parade, steps off at noon from the Central Catholic High parking lot on Marion Avenue and ends at the Common. The route marchers will follow has not been determined yet. Parade grand marshals will be Pat Costa, chief executive officer of Costa-Eagle Radio, and Gladys Mencia, manager of the Sovereign Bank branch on Broadway.
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