Mas

Hello and welcome to your sneak peek into the pages of the latest issue of MÁS magazine!

Building cultural bridges

I still remember seeing my Nana’s smiling Irish eyes light up as she enjoyed a special visit from her County Tipperary cousin.
Though it was their first meeting — he had never been to the U.S. before and Nana was born and raised on Long Island, New York — the pair became fast friends.
And with their pale blue eyes and somewhat faded strawberry-blond hair, they could have passed for brother and sister — until they spoke.
Nana’s cousin talked with a thick, Irish brogue, recalling common family stories. At one point, the two of them broke out into a little Irish folk song that apparently my Nana hadn’t heard — let alone sung — since she was a very young girl.
Still, there was a sturdy bridge that crossed these cousins’ separate upbringings — his in the land of rolling green hills, hers in the land of opportunity.
And so it is that we make the historical connection and cultural bridge among the Irish and Mexicans in this week’s issue of MÁS. As we prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — a time when everyone claims to be wee bit o’ Irish — just how many of us know about the San Patricios, a battalion led by an Irish captain during the Mexican-American War, siding with the Mexican soldiers?
It’s a very interesting piece of history, but not necessarily one you’ll find in many history books. We also talk to local families with their own Irish Mexican mixes as they identify with the parallels among both cultures and their celebrations.
Speaking of cultures and celebrations, MÁS is also still looking for Latino and Latina models for our “Fairytale Sueños Fashion Show and Quinceañera Expo. If you are between the ages of 14 and 17, go to: www.masbakersfield.com where you can set up a free profile with a current photo. Tell us why you want to be part of the event — don’t worry, no modeling experience is necessary. Then send a “friend request” to “Fairytale Sueños.” Or, send us a brief letter and photo to: Fairytale Sueños, c/o MÁS, P.O. Box 2344, Bakersfield, CA., 93303. For more details, contact General Manager Olivia Garcia at 395-7487 or e-mail: ogarcia@masbakersfield.com.

Kindred spirits

In honor of  an Irish captain who, more than a century ago, led a battalion of soldiers in a defiant move, the Mexican flag flies high above his hometown’s center. That’s right, a Mexican flag waving proudly in the middle of a community in Ireland, commemorating the leader who found common ground with the Mexican people. It’s part of a cultural connection  that many people may not even realize. Historically, both groups come from ancient spiritual peoples — the Celts and Azetcs; both have suffered domination from oppressors; both have braved dangerous journeys to arrive in America; and both share family values.

Heroic efforts

Not all heroes are costumed crime fighters with superhuman strength. Outfitted in pencil skirts and penny loafers and armed only with patience and compassion, some save the world one student at a time. Their archenemy? Apathy. Arvin High School’s Maria Reyes and Elizabeth Rocha are two of 46 individuals nominated for KGET-TV Ch. 17’s 2008 Real Hero Awards, which recognize community members who have exhibited exemplary behavior.

Making a difference

They proudly uphold the motto of Pro Deo-Pro Patria (For God-For Country), but the Young Men’s Institute (YMI) will be doing something for themselves for a change.The Bakersfield chapter of the YMI will celebrate its 62nd anniversary on Saturday, March 15, with a dinner and dance at St. Francis Parish Hall from 5 to 10 p.m. The guest speaker will be U.S. Air Force Capt. Sabrina Subia Rodriguez.