
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta celebrating Mexican heritage in the ByWard Market
The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta is celebrating Mexican traditions in the ByWard Market this Sunday, just ahead of May 5.
The event is taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It includes live music, dance, cultural food tasting, art exhibition and folkloric art beneath dazzling 'papel picado.'
Full of vibrant decorations, colour and culture, a lively atmosphere and plenty of fun things are available for the whole family. Residents can enjoy free activities and a kids' zone with carnival games and dance workshops.
Performances by the International Youth Folkloric Ballet of the City of Puebla are also taking place for the first time in Canada.
There will also be a photographic exhibition: Discover Puebla, presented by the Art Collective of El Barrio del Artista all the way from the State of Puebla, the birthplace of the Cinco de Mayo.
More to come
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Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Memphis's Newest Old Hotel: A First Look Inside Hotel Pontotoc
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Oh, if the walls of Hotel Pontotoc could talk … Located between South Main and Front Street, the historic hotel has been a Downtown Memphis staple for more than a century, living multiple lives as a bordello, a Turkish bathhouse, a dive bar, a private residence, and a recording studio. After years of neglect and a meticulous recent restoration by local developers, the hotel will come full circle when it reopens this summer as a European-style boutique hotel, offering guests a combination of modern luxury and vintage charm. 'The fact that it has survived nearly untouched for 119 years is amazing,' says General Manager Norbert Mede. 'It's like a fly caught in amber — it never got repurposed or lost its character like so many other properties.' Take a closer look at the storied past of Hotel Pontotoc, and get a sneak peek at its newest iteration! Pin A Historic Gem Built in 1906 near Central Station, Hotel Pontotoc originally catered to railway and riverboat travelers. With 18 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the small hotel was known for its lavish Turkish baths. By the 1920s, it had morphed into a popular bordello with a reputation for luxury and discretion. In 1929, Greek businessman Dionysos (Dan) Touliatos bought the property, turning it into a family hotel, where he resided with his wife and children. Pin Under his ownership, the hotel became a social hub for members of the Greek community and hosted many lively parties. It also drew actors and vaudeville performers from the nearby Orpheum Theatre. One of Hotel Pontotoc's most illustrious guests was Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, who lived in the hotel in the 1930s while commissioned to work on Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park Gardens — a handmade cavern made of rock quartz crystal and semiprecious stones. Pin In 1958, George Sr., the eldest son of the Touliatos family, founded Front Street Theatre, which put on professional theatrical productions and attracted notable actors. While these stars may not have stayed at Hotel Pontotoc, the hotel was intertwined in the city's cultural development. There is even a rumor that Elvis visited the hotel, though there's no evidence to prove it. The Touliatos sold Hotel Pontotoc after business declined in the late 1960s, and it enjoyed a brief stint as a nightclub in 1979 before it was purchased by local preservationists Leigh and Terry Davis in the early 1980s. They renovated the building, converting the basement into a recording studio and hosting memorable parties. In 2022, partners Tony Kuhn and Joseph Lewis — Memphians with a heart for historic downtown properties — acquired the building, which had fallen into disrepair. They embarked on a multimillion-dollar project to restore Hotel Pontotoc to its former glory. Pin Pin A Second Act Despite the hotel's deterioration in recent years, 'the bones of it were in great condition,' Norbert says. 'The renovation is a wink and a nod to its past but with modern upgrades and amenities.' The hotel's footprint is the same, with a bar on the lower basement level and guest rooms on the top two floors. But the original 17 rooms have been downsized to 10, including one grand suite, three regular suites, one ADA suite, and three studio-style rooms. Pin Each room has a different theme, but they all pay tribute to the past with their restored wood floors, exposed plaster walls, transom windows, and repurposed doors featuring original room numbers and antique knobs. Bathrooms contain vintage sink fixtures and high-tank toilets with pull chains for a nostalgic touch. Pin While the hotel is full of contemporary comforts, its vibe is intimate, and its design 'is like a timeline of its history,' Norbert says. The aesthetic is brimming with mid-century modern furnishings, rich wall coverings in deep blues and greens, and relics from its early life, which are showcased. 'We found a red ammunition bomb that we are going to suspend from the ceiling, and an old organ that we cleaned up to put in our lobby,' Norbert shares. Developers also revamped the hotel's entrance, repairing its signature awnings and restoring its iconic sign, a mainstay since it opened. Pin Drinks at The Dame Adding to the hotel's allure is The Dame, an upscale cocktail lounge and wine bar on the ground floor. The bar will serve a curated selection of premium bourbon, whiskey, tequila, and wine, along with small plates and local beers on tap. The menu will pay homage to the space's previous incarnation as a recording studio. 'We will have three tiers of wines: top 40 hits (recognizable wines), B sides (less recognizable wines), and lost tracks (wines that are unique or off the beaten path),' Norbert explains. Pin If you're craving a bit of nature, head to the hotel's landscaped garden, which can accommodate up to 75 people. It also makes an excellent spot for weddings and other special events. With that in mind, Norbert hopes to see Hotel Pontotoc return to its roots — as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Events in the works include live music on Friday nights, plus themed nights like Whiskey Club Sundays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, and more. 'We want our guests to feel like this is a home away from home,' says Norbert, 'and not just those outside of Memphis, but also Memphians who come downtown for a show, a concert, or a Grizzlies game.' Pin Plan Your Stay Located just minutes from Beale Street, the Orpheum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Civil Rights Museum (among other Memphis hot spots), Hotel Pontotoc is open for booking at Nightly rates range from $250 to $650, with a 15% off promotion for those who book a two-night stay before August 1. Guests check in online and will receive an access code to the building, along with a complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Pin Pin ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our FREE daily emails. About the Author Emily McMackin Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.


Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Afro Mexican actors fighting racism celebrate their heritage through their plays
TICUMÁN, México (AP) — There was something about her body, but Mexican actress Eréndira Castorela couldn't quite put her finger on it. Some casting directors told her she was 'too tall' to play a Mexican woman. Others insinuated her features weren't sufficiently 'Indigenous.' 'It wasn't until later that I discovered what it means to recognize oneself as Afro,' said Castorela, who subsequently confirmed her African ancestry. 'We are a diverse community which, perhaps due to discrimination, doesn't identify as such.' Her life changed after she joined Mulato Teatro, a theater company that empowers actors of African descent who are eager to forge a career despite racism. However, like most Afro Mexican activists, Castorela believes that nationwide recognition is still a long way off. 'If we look around, we'll see curly hair, high cheekbones, full lips or dark skin,' the 33-year-old said. 'But there's a wound that prevents us from recognizing ourselves.' The Afro Mexican lineage Unlike the United States, where there have been concerted efforts to boost awareness of the Black history, acknowledging Black people in Mexico has received little support. 'The concept of mixed race denies the cultural diversity that defines us as Mexicans,' said María Elisa Velázquez, a researcher at the National School of Anthropology and History. 'We are not only Indigenous, but also European, African and Asian.' It is well known that the Mesoamerican lands conquered by the Spaniards in the 16th century were inhabited by Indigenous people, resulting in mixed-race marriages and births. Less noted is the fact that some mixed-race Mexicans are partly descended from enslaved Black people. According to Velázquez, the evolution of communities incorporating Black people depended on their geographic location. 'Much of the Afro-descendant population established relations and coexisted alongside different Indigenous groups, resulting in very heterogeneous communities,' she said. Official figures from 2024 estimate the Afro-descendant population in Mexico is 3.1 million, mainly residing in the states of Guerrero, Morelos, Colima and Quintana Roo. While most identify as African Mexican, nearly two-thirds also perceive themselves as Indigenous. Finding her true identity Castorela — born in Morelos, a state neighboring Mexico City — recalls looking through family photo albums after first wondering if she had African ancestry. The features of her relatives left no room for doubt. 'I also realized we had created a narrative that concealed our origins,' she said. 'There was always someone saying: 'But there was a blond person in the family,' or 'Grandma had finer features.'' Castorela may not have curly hair and her skin tone may not resemble that of other Afro women, but she said her body never lied. When she was a young actress taking ballet classes, she felt constrained and uncomfortable. It wasn't until she joined African dance classes that the choreography was ideal for her height, weight and soul. 'I feel much freer because there's openness and movement,' she said. 'Identifying as African Mexican has given me the mental and spiritual peace I needed to realize there is a place where I can reflect myself.' A struggling career The theater company where Castorela and two dozen other artists collaborate was founded in the early 2000s by another Afro woman who struggled to excel as a Black actress in Mexico. Born in Colombia, a South American country where around 10% of the population is Black, Marisol Castillo said she had no clue her physical features would hinder her career. But after falling in love with Mexican playwright Jaime Chabaud and moving to his hometown, everything changed. 'Some want to force us to fit a mold, a white mold,' Castillo said. 'And when we differ, we're told: 'You're a bad actor, you're out of tune.' But we're just different.' Casting directors mostly offered Castillo roles as prostitute, exotic dancer, maid or slave. So she teamed up with Chabaud, and 'Mulato Teatro' was born. 'There was very little openness and awareness,' Chabaud said. 'So I started writing plays for her.' Tales of African and Mexican heritage The themes of Chabaud's plays are as diverse as the actors who bring his characters to life. 'African Erotic Tales of the Black Decameron' draws inspiration from oral traditions, fusing the worldview of African communities. 'Yanga' portrays a real-life 17th-century Black hero who is considered a liberator in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Among the topics inspiring Chabaud are not only African legends or characters, but stories closer to home. 'Where are you going, Mr. Opossum?' tells the tale of a 'Tlacuache,' an ancient creature from Mesoamerican mythology. In Chabaud's play, the Tlacuache steals fire from a goddess to save humanity from hunger and darkness. The creature has no divine powers, but his ability to play dead enables him to sneak past the Jaguar, a deity safeguarding the flames. 'Jaime always tells us that we should all worship Mr. Tlacuache instead of other deities,' said Aldo Martin, playing the leading role. Martin, 28, does not identify as Afro, but feels the company's work successfully portrays Mexico's diversity. 'Our ancestors are not only Indigenous, but a fusion, and these mixed heritages have resulted in a very distinct society, made of all colors, which shouldn't pigeonhole us into just being Afro,' Martin said. Diversity is welcomed at Mulato Teatro Castillo and Chabaud primarily encourage Afro-Mexican artists to work in their plays, but they also welcome amateur actors and LGBTQ+ performers. One of them is transgender actress Annya Atanasio Cadena, who began her career in plays addressing topics such as suicide, alcoholism and drug addiction in marginalized communities. 'In my (LGBTQ+) community, we know what it's like to fight against the world,' said Atanasio, who plays a trans woman in one of Chabaud's plays about gender violence. 'I'm very moved to have been given the chance to become part of this space, which also heals me,' she added. 'We can show that we exist and we are more than just a story. We are bodies, desires, feelings, and the pain we carry.' Dreams of an unknown land There's a special play written and directed by Castillo: 'Dreaming of Africa.' Although she has not been able to trace the exact roots of her ancestry, her work and community make her feel closer to a long-lost home. 'When we, people from the same ethnicity meet, we call each other 'brother,'' Castillo said. 'After all, we came from the same ports.' She said she'll never forget a presentation of 'Dreaming of Africa,' when a girl from the audience approached her. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. 'She could barely speak, so we hugged,' Castillo said. 'Then she said: 'Thank you for telling me I'm pretty, for making me feel my worth'.' Castillo, too, learns something about herself as she acts, writes and directs. It's like peeling an onion, she said, taking layer by layer to reveal what's underneath. 'I grow with each play,' Castillo said. 'I feel prouder of my roots, knowing that I can move away from stereotypes like playing a prostitute or a witch. That I, too, can be a queen.' ____ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.


The Province
29-05-2025
- The Province
Vancouver concerts: Chan Centre's new season includes Grammy winners Esperanza Spalding, Arooj Aftab, Natalia Lafourcade
New three-tired membership model will help increase engagement and a sense of community among members Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning Mexican singer, songwriter, and producer Natalia Lafourcade is bringing her Cancionera Tour to the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on Sept. 27. Photo by Courtesy for the Chan Centre for Performing Arts / Courtesy for the Chan Centre for Performing Arts Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has just announced its 2025/2026 season, the biggest in the Chan Centre's 28-year history. The upcoming season will offer new diversified programming streams and a new membership model, as it showcases a mix of internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent. 'I'm thrilled to be returning to the Chan Centre as part of its upcoming new season!' said in a statement Grammy-winning Pakistani-American singer, composer, and producer Arooj Aftab who will be at the Chan on Oct. 25. 'Performing here is always unforgettable — Vancouver's vibrant energy, welcoming audience, and the venue's world-class acoustics make it a truly special experience.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Featuring an expanded roster, the season includes a diverse range of music, conversation, and interdisciplinary performances, showcasing both internationally acclaimed headliners and emerging voices, fostering inclusivity and enhancing cultural relevance. 'We're thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of performers who inspire, challenge, and bring people together, celebrating artistic excellence and global perspectives. This year's focus is on bringing unique, first-time performances to the city,' said Jarrett Martineau, head curator at the Chan Centre in a statement. One of those debut artists is two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Montreal's Dominique Fils-Aimé. 'I'm overjoyed to be making my debut at the Chan Centre in Vancouver as part of their 28th season,' said Fils-Aimé. 'This venue has long been on my dream list, and sharing this moment with my West Coast family in such a stunning space fills me with gratitude. I can't wait to connect through the music.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. With an entertainment landscape that is always growing and shifting the ongoing challenge for live venues like the internationally acclaimed Chan Centre is getting people in the seats and keeping membership coming back year after year. The Chan hopes the new three-tired model will help to increase engagement and further foster a sense of community among members. 'With our ever-expanding programming, this new membership model will be the best way for our patrons to take advantage of all we have to offer at the Chan Centre,' said Pat Carrabré, director of the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in an email. 'Membership means getting closer to the Chan Centre, creating community with fellow arts enthusiasts who not only recognize the value of what the Chan Centre does, but the value of the arts in our lives.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has introduced a new three-tired subscription model that it hopes will encourage more engagement and further foster a sense of community among the patrons it already enjoys. Photo by Marcelo Barbosa / Marcelo Barbosa Chan Centre membership program Basic Membership: The basic tier is free for University of British Columbia's students and those under 30. A $50 introductory offer will be available until September. Members get 10% off up to two tickets per event, early ticket access, and 20% off at the Michelin-recommended Wildlight Kitchen + Bar, and free ticket exchanges. Membership Plus: New members can join for $100 until September, then $200. Benefits include 20% off up to two tickets per event, exclusive event promotions, 25% off concessions (excluding alcohol), lounge access, and invites to exclusive events. Premium Membership: At $1,000, membership perks include up to two complimentary premium tickets to any show of the season, an exclusive private tour of the Chan Centre, and lunch with a curator. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Note: Current subscribers will be automatically upgraded to Membership Plus and can begin purchasing tickets on June 4, 2025. Basic Members can access tickets starting June 10, 2025, with general sales opening June 13, 2025. Chan Centre of the Performing Arts season highlights This season includes the following series: Chan Centre Presents: Esperanza Spalding Aug. 29 Grammy-winning American bassist, vocalist, and composer known for her unique mix of jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and funk influences. Natalia Lafourcade — The Cancionera Tour Sept. 27 Multiple Grammys and Latin Grammys award-winning Mexican singer, songwriter, and producer known for blending pop, rock, jazz, and traditional Latin folk music makes her Vancouver debut. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Carminho Oct. 2 Blending Brazilian bossa nova and pop the Portuguese singer is recognized as a standout voice in contemporary and traditional fado, Arooj Aftab Oct. 25 Grammy-winning Pakistani-American singer, composer, and producer whose music blends jazz, folk, pop, and Urdu poetry into global soul soundscapes. Ray Chen Nov. 2 The Taiwanese-Australian violinist was a winner of the 2008 Yehudi Menuhin and 2009 Queen Elizabeth competitions and has performed with top orchestras worldwide. Chan Centre EXP: Tim Hecker and Fennesz Sept. 17 Hecker, a Canadian electronic musician, and Fennesz, an Austrian guitarist and composer, are renowned for their innovative ambient sounds. ganavya Nov. 18 A vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and scholar who weaves South Indian classical traditions, jazz, and contemporary music makes her debut in Vancouver. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dominique Fils-Aimé March 7, 2026 Inspired by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, the two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter from Montreal blends blues, jazz, and soul to explore African American history and social realities. Chan Centre Made in Canada: An Evening with Louise Penny Oct. 29 Canadian author renowned for her award-winning mystery novels set in Quebec. This event will be an evening of conversation in celebration of her latest novel, The Black Wolf. Susan Aglukark and PIQSIQ April 12, 2026 Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark and throat-singing duo PIQSIQ join forces for a night of performances, blending Aglukark's mix of Inuit folk, country, and pop with PIQSIQ's modern twist on traditional throat singing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. GOOD THINGS: An Evening with Samin Nosrat Oct. 16 An Iranian-American chef, author, and educator, renowned for her James Beard Award-winning cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, which was also a Netflix documentary series, comes to Vancouver for the first time. An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi Feb. 25, 2026 Israeli-born British chef, bestselling author, and culinary innovator is known for vibrant, vegetable-focused, Middle Eastern-inspired creative cuisine. ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) Festival Sept. 20 and 21 Presented in partnership with Musqueam First Nation, this festival celebrates music, dance, storytelling, film, poetry and food and invites all to experience and support Indigenous voices and creativity. The artist roster is scheduled to be released in June. Read More News Vancouver Canucks News Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks