WHEREAS, Mr. Serafin Guevara and Mrs. Ofelia Solano-Guevara founded the dance group, Horizantes Mexicanos de Danza Folklorica, 30 years ago in 1988 at St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish, which is located in the heart of the Little Village Community in Chicago, IL, and
WHEREAS, the Guevara's have held "Noche Cultural" (Horizontes Mexicanos De Danza Folklorica Cultural Night) since 1993 for twenty-five consecutive years; showcasing the best of their repertoire. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of this great initiative, and
WHEREAS, Horizontes offeres classes to teach the traditional Mexican Folklore dances to the youth of the Parish and the neighborhood. Children as young as three and as old as college age students are invited to come to classes and participate, and
WHEREAS, the intent of creating this group is to teach Mexican culture, history, art, dress and music to foster connections and pride with their heritage, while providing a positive, supervised after-school opportunity for neighborhood youth, and
WHEREAS, through the course of these past 30 years, Serafin and Ofelia have selflessly given of their time, talent and have taught classes on three days a week. Over 2,500+ children, teens and young adults have been part of Horizontes throughout the years, and
WHEREAS the Horizontes group has traveled and performed throughout the Midwest, Texas and also in multiple states of Mexico. They have also performed for State of Illinois celebrations, participated in parades and many other Civic events; which enriched the experiences for the youth, and
WHEREAS Serafin and Ofelia have consistently kept up their own understanding and learning of the evolution of dance within the various regions of Mexico to keep the performances of the Horizontes authentic and vibrant. Care is always taken to ensure that regional dress matches the dance for each region,
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the City Council of Chicago hereby recognizes and honors the 25thYear Anniversary of the Horizontes Mexicanos de Danza Folklorica Noche Cultural and Serafin Guevara and Ofelia Solano-Guevara's leadership and extraordinary commitment to the Youth of Little Village and the St Agnes of Bohemia Parish community.