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ERIC Number: ED454016
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2000-Feb
Pages: 29
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Good Friday in Omaha, Nebraska: A Mexican Celebration.
Arbelaez, Maria S.
As the Mexican American community multiplies and strengthens its position across the United States, its civic and religious celebrations expand in number and visibility. Through periodic observances, unequivocally Mexican cultural traditions have materialized in the secular and spiritual domains of American public spaces. This paper examines the commemoration of Holy Week in Omaha, Nebraska. Mexicans celebrate Holy Week, one of the most important events in the Catholic liturgy, in remarkable public spectacles. The reenactment of Christ's crucifixion galvanizes religious beliefs, emotions, and community solidarity through the participation of families, friends, religious associations, and community organizations. In Omaha, Guadalupe parish was established in 1919 and is the hub of a rapidly growing Hispanic population. As a community center, the parish provides extensive legal, educational, health, and counseling services. Since 1993, the Hispanic community of South Omaha has staged the religious drama of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. A devoted parishioner who oversees the Guadalupe youth center and choir selects the actors from the youth group. For 40 days, the participants meet twice a week for religious studies and rehearsals. The aim is to keep Mexican traditions alive by instilling in children and young adults appreciation for the culture and devotion to its rituals. (Contains 18 references.) (SV)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nebraska (Omaha)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A