With the exception of the pageants that have always been well attended, this year, Semana Hispana activities appear to be lacking support from the community to whom it is directed.
Let’s start with the Gala Dinner, for many a mistake since from the beginning always filled the Central Catholic High School’s hall at mid-day called VIP Luncheon, where everybody sweated copiously due to the heat.
During the first years, large companies in the area bought tables and sent their employees as a sign of goodwill and cooperation. In response, we gave them plenty of cultural presentations, and long speeches while the food got cold.
In this country, according to their employee benefits, some companies give their staff up to one hour for lunch. The cultural presentations and the speeches took much more than that time resulting in diners returning to work full of culture, but on an empty stomach.
Those of us who did not have problem waiting for lunch, simply ate cold. As a result, large companies that used to buy tables stopped doing so while those who attend buy only the seats (plates) they need and never filled the gap left by these companies, on the contrary, many have stopped attending.
The first year that was changed from lunch to dinner – VIP Luncheon to Gala Dinner – despite several protests, for many it was a success. It was done in a place with air conditioning, the ladies showed their good taste in evening wear while the gentlemen were forced to wear a collar and tie.
Another problem arose. Better said, it continues, but at a different time. The artistic presentations, the recognitions, the speeches, the political proclamations, we must not forget this; it seems that the world is sinking if the politicians do not appear with their proclamations printed in their homes’ basement.
This year, those of us who attended the Gala Dinner and arrived at the time indicated in the program, found ourselves in a colorful room, luxuriously decorated but empty. The food, in order to keep it warm was overcooked since we had to wait for many who think, “They said at 6 but it does not start until 9.” Maybe that’s why many who used to go, do not attend anymore.
We do not blame the board of directors, which works so hard to please us, but those who think, “if they say at 6 it does not start until 9.” The day they serve at 7:00, those arriving at 9:00 would have to eat cold and they will learn.
As for the Nights, we have noticed a lack of interest of many who previously attended. We understand that there are not many Mexicans living in the Merrimack Valley, but where is “Together in Harmony”? Representatives of other cultures did not go to Malaya’s to accompany the few who celebrated their day there.
The Colombians had a perfect night at the Senior Center; good audience, who consumed the typical food that was served there. They have always celebrated in small, indoor places. But, what happened to the Puerto Ricans, who also celebrated there? They had good music and good food, but remember that Puerto Ricans used to fill a park!
We understand that the directive of Noche Dominicana, was looking for a place to celebrate and did not want to hold it in a nightclub where alcoholic beverages are consumed. Commendable idea and we congratulate them for that but, having so many Dominicans in the Merrimack Valley, enough to fill two parks, it was held in a small place like 7 Mill St. and it was not crowded.
Finally, the Peruvians. They have become accustomed to filling the St. Mary’s auditorium with high quality cultural presentations. Like all Nights, they also count on the sale of the food, which helps them defray the expenses of this and future Nights. This year, at the end of the afternoon, they were selling it at half price in order not to let it go to waste.
Still to celebrate we have a three-day festival on the 15, 16 and 17 of June, just when Rumbo starts to circulate. In addition, the Parada de la Hispanidad on June 17. We hope that those who have been absent at the Nights, will help us celebrate the 40th anniversary of Semana Hispana, with the flag of their nationalities on hand, as the largest celebration of the history of this festival.
