At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Modesto City Schools Board of Education issued a proclamation recognizing Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. The observance honors the histories, cultures and contributions of people with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Across the district, educators and students are carrying forward traditions that bring heritage to life in powerful ways.
At Fairview Elementary, Ballet Folklórico Los Falcones has been part of the community for more than 27 years, welcoming dancers as young as 5 and as old as 26. Guided by passionate teachers and parents, including Davis High social studies teacher Mayra Martinez, who became involved when her daughter joined as a first grader, the group connects students to Mexican heritage through traditional music, regional dances and cultural storytelling.
“Working together in pairs and groups allows them to support one another and strengthens their teamwork,” said Nathalie Aguilar, dance coordinator. “It’s rewarding to see how their pride in culture shines alongside their school spirit.”
Last year, Folklórico Los Falcones graced the Board of Education with a performance rooted in the vibrant rhythms of Sinaloa. Flowing dresses swept across the stage in a cascade of color, carrying forward centuries of tradition. The performance highlighted what danza folklórica has always been in Mexico: a unifying cultural force that passes down heritage through movement, costume, and rhythm.
This year, the spotlight turned to Johansen High School’s mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Jardín Morado. What began as a small club in 2021 under music teacher Brad Hart has blossomed into a full class, where students learn music and share family stories and experiences that deepen their connections.
At the September Board meeting, the ensemble filled the room with the bright harmonies of De Colores and the soulful tones of Tristes Recuerdos, a repertoire that captured mariachi’s joy, nostalgia, and power to unite.
“The student who volunteered to be the solo singer at the meeting really stepped up and worked hard,” Hart said. “As we selected and worked on certain songs, students shared family stories and experiences that have enhanced our musical relationships with each other.”
Together, programs like folklórico and mariachi embody the district’s vision of learning beyond the classroom. They encourage pride in heritage and bring the community together in celebration — a tradition that grows stronger each year.
For Martinez, it’s a mission that goes deeper than performance.
“It’s a way to honor my culture, to connect with my ancestors and our history,” she said. “More importantly, it’s a way to share this wonderful tradition with the next generation so they can be proud of who they are and where they come from.”