Dia Del Nino - A Solano County Community Celebration

Dia Del Nino (Day of the Children) - A Solano County Community Celebration

Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D.

The celebration of El Dia Del Nino has a long and rich history. Universal Children's Day was first established in 1954 to promote international togetherness and raise awareness of youth and their wellbeing. In 1959 the United Nations adopted the Declaration of Rights of the Child. Thirty years later, Presidents Clinton and Bush promoted National Child's Day, and now Children's Day is celebrated during the second week of June.

To date, many countries including Mexico, India and Japan, have established a day to honor children. The Day of the Child (or Day of the Children) is celebrated worldwide with activities for children to celebrate and enjoy a festive day filled with food and music. Families are encouraged to appreciate their children and the essential role they play in everyday life. Teachers are encouraged to organize activities that help children understand their importance. Activities are child-centered with games, music, performances, and fun.

Closer to home, our local community leader Jamie Esparza had a vision for the youth of Solano County and partnered and organized Fiesta Primavera as a pre-Cinco de Mayo event. This event will feature a Latin Jazz Fiesta with acclaimed percussionist Juan Escovedo and his All-Stars Band, the Mio Flores Band, and introducing solo artist Trinny. Esparza expressed his excitement and hope for the Fiesta Primavera, stating, "Most people think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but it was really about a small, mighty army who fought against the French." Esparza went on to state, "This is a perfect time for this event because it is the end of spring that showcases culture as well as fundraising efforts for the children." Esparza had the idea of bringing people together with live music, fun, and celebration. While he plans to engage all of Solano County, he would like this event to expand throughout the Bay Area. Attendees will also experience the Mood Azteca Ballet Folklorico. Food from Lunitas Kitchen will be available as well, and a portion of the proceeds from the food sales will benefit the youth in the dance program who are raising funds for their authentic costumes.

Featured artists, Juan Escovedo, Mio Flores, and Trinny, appeared recently on OZCAT Radio (KZCT 89.5FM) with radio personality and event promoter Jerome Triple J Wideman, board members from the Solano County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President Jerry Gonzales and Yajaira Rubio Machado, the chamber’s Parliamentarian and Lunitas Kitchen owner. Wideman spent the hour discussing the upcoming show's purpose while playing songs from Juan Escovedo's newly released CD, The J. Juan Escovedo and Mio Flores give back to bay area schools, particularly in Oakland, where the two grew up. Elevate Oakland, the Escovedo family nonprofit founded by Juan's sister Sheila E, was created specifically to introduce students to music in Oakland public schools. "It is an honor to perform on the Day of the Children because our youth need our support and encouragement," stated Juan Escovedo.

As mentioned before, Lunitas Kitchen will prepare dinner prior to the performance for $22.00 in the Empress Lounge at 5:30 pm. Part of the proceeds from the dinner will provide dance classes at Ballet Folklorico Moon Azteca for students seeking financial support. The event will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 7:30 pm-10:30 pm.

Although the youth dancers of Ballet Folklorico Moon Azteca will perform at the beginning of the show, the remainder of the event is for 21 and over.

Tickets are available at the Empress Theatre Box office or online on the TicketFairy website at https://www. ticketfairy.com/event/fiesta-primavera-30apr2022