On December 19, the Southside community of Santa Fe rallied together for the inaugural Posada Latina Southside event, epitomized by the joyful clown show led by Payaso Tomy Plin. The occasion, hosted at the Santa Fe Teen Center, attracted a large crowd eager to revel in the shared celebration, enjoy local cuisine, gather toys for children, connect with city council members, and foster a sense of community that many felt had been long overdue. Residents like Guadalupe Escárcega expressed their enthusiasm for the festive gathering, noting a lack of events in the underrepresented area. This sentiment resonated deeply among attendees, underlining the perception that the Southside often gets overlooked by the larger city.
The Posada was orchestrated by the Latino Small Business Association, a coalition formed in response to community concerns regarding the potential relocation of the Interfaith Community Shelter to the Southside. Their efforts were led by Gina Auz, a prominent figure in the community who emphasized the importance of unity and support the event represented. Auz, amidst laughter and emotion, expressed her hope for the future and appreciation for the city councilors who supported the initiative and helped to secure the venue. While the turnout was substantial, Auz envisioned an even greater crowd and called for a permanent community hub for such events, advocating for the Southside’s identity and involvement in the city’s social fabric.
Initial skepticism surrounded the success of the event, particularly among city officials and organizers like Rollin Jones, a firefighter involved in distributing toys from a local drive. They feared that despite their efforts, attendance might fall short of expectations. However, Auz’s unwavering belief in the event’s potential culminated in vibrant celebrations filled with music, food, and a lively atmosphere. This spirit of camaraderie was underlined by the unexpected turnout, which validated the hard work of numerous local businesses, associations, and participants committed to celebrating their community.
While the festivities unfolded, civic engagement took center stage. Susan Dorn managed a voter registration booth and noted a significant increase in registrations compared to a previous event, aided by Spanish-language forms. High-profile city councilors, including Michael Garcia, actively participated by serving free meals to guests, further fostering a community-oriented environment. Councilor Pilar Faulkner remarked on the extraordinary turnout and the event’s importance in reinforcing the bond between local governance and residents, emphasizing the need for unity in addressing community challenges.
Artists and advocates also found their voices at the Posada. Sonia Peréz of Ballet Folklórico De Mi Pueblo highlighted the contrast between the energized crowd at the Posada and the more subdued audience at earlier events. Her commitment to bring cultural performances to the public and inspire the younger generation resonated with the audience, reinforcing the sense of belonging and active participation in the Southside’s cultural narrative. Amidst the celebrations, advocate Adrian André discussed pressing issues, such as mental health and addiction, stressing the importance of informed dialogue within the community that fosters understanding rather than stigma.
Posada Latina Southside not only encapsulated a festive spirit but also reflected deeper social issues and aspirations within the community. From the successful voter registration efforts to the cultural expressions and critical conversations about mental health support, the event was a significant milestone for the Southside. The enthusiasm and participation symbolized a critical step towards community revitalization and engagement. The success of the event suggests that with continued collaboration and the establishment of permanent community spaces, the Southside can transition from being an overlooked area to a vibrant, interconnected hub that nurtures both its cultural richness and civic responsibilities within the broader Santa Fe landscape.
