Libros y Gritos: collaboration on traditional arts in Walsenburg

WALSENBURG — On April 18, trumpet song and gritos echoed through the Huerfano Community Center as Mariachi Diamante, in partnership with the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation and Mrs. Flamingo’s Book Club, hosted a special storytime for 104 participants.

The event began with an interactive reading of the award-winning Adela’s Mariachi Band by Denise Vega. Kids and adults learned about mariachi instruments, songs, and traditions — and finished with a brief tutorial of the folklórico dance La Raspa that had everyone out of their seats.

“The musicians from Mariachi Diamante have been great to work with,” said Sandy Dolak, event organizer. “For almost a year we have shared a vision of having a local mariachi group. Today’s turnout of more than 100 people reinforced the lesson from Adela’s Mariachi book: there is a way for everyone to contribute to the mariachi experience.”

The event was made possible by Traditional Arts and Crafts funding from Colorado Creative Industries. Mariachi Diamante is scheduled for a set at Miner’s Plaza during Porchfest, with a youth mariachi troupe in development.