Migrant Cultural Night Recap
The Seattle Church Council of Greater Seattle hosted its inaugural Noche Cultural (Cultural Night), a celebration of migrant experiences and Latin American heritage featuring dance and music performances, traditional cuisine, and personal testimonies from community members representing Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Brazil.
During the evening, a representative from Mexico spoke candidly about how people leave their countries of origin out of necessity, driven by the search for safety and economic opportunity. She addressed the harsh realities many face, including living with ankle monitors and constant fear, emphasizing the need for support to ensure that the migrant community is not criminalized.
Dance performances were a highlight of the night. Guatemala presented "Marimba Perla de Guatemala," celebrating the country's national instrument. Honduras showcased the vibrant Garifuna culture through Punta rhythms, a dance born from African drums, Indigenous chants, and Caribbean resistance. Venezuela presented "Tonada del Cabrestero" and a folklore dance trio "Popurri Venezolano." A transgender leader spoke about the dangers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Venezuela, celebrating Seattle as a place of dignity and safety. El Salvador presented two traditional dances: "El Torito Pinto" and "Adentro Cojutepeque," honoring Indigenous traditions and community unity. Brazil closed the evening with "Magalenha," bringing all performers together in a final celebration of joy and unity.
A central theme was the vital role of Grupo de Solidaridad, the Church Council's primary means of immigration organizing . Multiple speakers credited Grupo as crucial to their survival in navigating the immigration system. Grupo de Solidaridad is rooted in the lived experiences of people impacted by the immigration system and provides a space where people from different backgrounds connect with others new to the community through monthly convivencia gatherings. Grupo informs the Church Council’s immigration organizing, leads community education opportunities for migrants and those who wish to support through solidarity, and mobilizes resources to support migrant communities.
The event successfully created a space for migrant communities to share their stories, celebrate their cultural heritage, and build solidarity while raising support for Grupo de Solidaridad's ongoing work.