According to , the St. Louis region is home to more than 57,000 people of Mexican heritage. While Mexican Americans make up the majority of St. Louis鈥� Hispanic population, there is still work to be done to make Mexican culture accessible.
Leticia Seitz is the owner of Arte Rojo STL, and she鈥檚 the driving force behind , a celebration to commemorate Mexican independence from Spain. She told St. Louis on the Air that for Mexican immigrants, keeping up connections to Mexico is important because it ultimately connects Mexican Americans to one another in their new hometown.
鈥淏eing an immigrant, it was difficult for me to connect with people who speak my own language and also have resources,鈥� Seitz said. 鈥淵ou need to feel like somebody is close to you, like your culture is close to you. It鈥檚 important for us to know who in town is connected with your roots and can bring you a little piece of joy.鈥�
Along with Arte Rojo STL, Seitz started an online radio station called Conectando Raices Radio, where she and other hosts hold live broadcasts that create avenues for Mexican Americans to stay in contact with their families in Mexico. Her efforts earned her recognition from Mexican President Andr茅s Manuel L贸pez Obrador. Seitz was invited to a reception in Mexico City especially for independent communicators connecting Mexicans across the world.
鈥淭he chance to represent [St. Louis鈥橾 Mexican community at the event was amazing,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y work is for my community. We are visible thanks to him.鈥�
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day before the president required official authorization 鈥� and it was granted only to Mexicans abroad who wish to commemorate Sept. 16, honor their heritage, and celebrate with their community. Seitz said she plans to make the most of the occasion at Fiesta Mexicana, especially for those who are reconnecting with their roots or who simply want to know more about Mexico.
鈥淓verybody thinks of Mexico as 鈥榯acos and tequila,鈥� and that鈥檚 OK. But it鈥檚 more than that,鈥� Seitz said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 passion, it鈥檚 liberation, it鈥檚 love [and] family.鈥�
For more on Fiesta Mexicana and Leticia Seitz鈥檚 mission to bring authentic Mexican culture to St. Louis, listen to St. Louis on the Air on , , or click the play button below.
Related Event
What:
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 14
Where: International Institute of St. Louis (3401 Arsenal St., St. Louis, MO 63118)
鈥�鈥� brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is produced by Ulaa Kuziez, , , , and . Jada Jones is our production assistant. The audio engineer is .
