The Centro opened its doors in 1971, and began preserving and promoting the Indigenous and Latin American cultures by offering exhibits, workshops, and dance and musical performances. Among the early groups was the Ballet Folklórico en Aztlán, which was founded in 1967 by Herminia Enrique. She was also one of the cofounders of the Centro who taught dance classes that preserved the Indigenous features of Mexican folklore. She had eight daughters and three sons, all of whom were passionate about their mother’s work. El Trio Moreno who became popular, professional performers, offered music lessons and workshops at the Centro.
El Centro Cultural de la Raza In 1968, Chicana/o artists gathered at the City of San Diego’s abandoned Ford Building in Balboa Park, which was provided by the City as a temporary studio space. The artists named themselves Los Toltecas en Aztlán, in honor of their Indigenous roots. They declared their intent to keep Chicano culture alive by securing a permanent place for the preservation of Chicano culture in Balboa Park. At the time, there was no permanent Chicano, Mexican or Latino art presence in San Diego’s museums, galleries, or other art centers. House of Mexico was one of the original members of the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park from 1935 to 1941, but remained dormant for almost six decades. Following often heated discussions with the City, in 1970 negotiations that included the Chicano Federation of San Diego County finally resulted in the renovation of an abandoned water tank that was built in 1914. It became the home of the Centro Cultural de la Raza, cofounded by a number of artivists, among them: Mario Torero, Salvador Roberto Torres, Guillermo Aranda, Leticia de Baca, Viviana Zermeño, and Alurista.
Dońa Herminia Enrique Founder, Ballet Folklórico en Aztlán (Photo courtesy Latino Legacy Foundation)
Centro Cultural de la Raza (Photo courtesy Latino Legacy Foundation)
July 12, 1971 (Courtesy The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Ballet Folklórico en Aztlán (Photo courtesy Viviana Enrique Acosta
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 5 – The Chicano Cultural Renaissance
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