March 28, 2014

By Monique Oxford

It may be one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation, but the history and culture of El Segundo Barrio will come alive on Saturday.

Commemorating its fourth year, Celebramos El Segundo Barrio will focus on the arts and culture of its Latino roots. Chicano artists from around the area will display their works at the Lydia Patterson Institute while visitors have an opportunity to take part in a guided walking art and history tour throughout el barrio. They can experience the lives of residents through life-sized murals painted on walls and buildings through this historical neighborhood whose roots date back to 1834.

Additional events to experience will include a health fair with free screenings, mariachi music, food booths, folkloric dancing and a food distribution from El Pasoans Fighting Hunger. There will be a Low-Rider Car Exhibit along with artwork on display from elementary and middle school students in Segundo Barrio.

Jesus “Cimi” Alvarado is an artist participating in the event and said the murals he painted are a way for him to help those maintain the culture of Segundo Barrio. “I grew up in el barrio. I am from this area. I left like many people did, but I came back. Most of my artwork is about our culture and I want to educate the kids on our past. What our parents sacrificed for us,” said Alvarado. His work can be seen throughout El Paso on buildings in both Central and South El Paso, including one on exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History.

Location: Lydia Patterson Institute 517 S. Florence
Date: Saturday March 29 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Photographed by Matt Crouch