Nestled in southwest Minnesota, the city of St. James is a community rich in culture and connection. This September, the town pulled out all the stops for its annual multicultural fiesta, a celebration of its diverse residents.
Once home to predominantly white European descendants, the city has experienced a remarkable demographic shift over the past 25 years. Today, Latino residents make up 40% of the population.
Uniendeo Culturas or Uniting Cultures was founded in 2017 in response to the shift. Uniting Cultures is a community organization dedicated to bridging the gap between newer and longtime residents, under the shared banner of the City of St. James. The University of Minnesota Extension Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Southwest RSDP) is a proud, ongoing partner of the organization.
“The work of Uniting Cultures has really made a difference in St. James. Its initiatives bring the community together and make southwest Minnesota a more welcoming place,” says Anne Dybsetter, Southwest RSDP executive director.
Every year, Uniting Cultures and its local partners host a community-wide, multicultural fiesta. The vibrant gathering brings together St. James residents to honor and celebrate the cultures of their neighbors. This year’s event was no exception, offering an array of colors, flavors and stories that celebrate the town’s evolving identity.
RSDP Storyteller Emily Haeg Nguyen attended the event to gather photos and insights, reflecting the essence of the gathering and the heart of the community.
“This is an event to share culture and see friends and community members one has not seen in months or years. I loved being part of the fiesta, this year more than ever!”
— Silvia Solorzano, event organizer
“In trying new foods, one might just find a new favorite ingredient. In hearing new music, one might learn a new step. In learning a new word, one might just gain a new neighbor or friend.”
— Julio Zelaya, event organizer
“The food, the music and colorful dress, the conversation, the laughter and smiles, the families, the neighbors and friends — all of these fill my heart.”
— Pat Branstad, event organizer
“The Festival is a community event, but it is also an individual practice. It is an invitation to look within oneself—one's own culture—and share it. We all have a culture. Those patterns and practices are powerful things we carry. Each person's culture not only shapes the individual but those around us.” — Julio Zelaya, event organizer
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