Raíces Mestizas Folklorico Group prepares for international tour to Taiwan
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Raíces Mestizas Folklorico Group, rooted in Watsonville, is getting ready for an exciting opportunity to take their cultural performance to Taiwan. The group’s journey began with an unexpected encounter last October when a radio personality from Taiwan visited Watsonville and was captivated by the group's vibrant performance.
Alicia Centeno, the arts director of Raíces Mestizas, recalls the moment fondly. “She actually enjoyed it and liked it, and she made us the invitation to go this year and perform,” Centeno shared. For the group, the invitation was a surreal but thrilling recognition of their dedication and talent. "It's amazing to find out that a non-profit community-based group here in Watsonville, a small town… Even though we know we're going, it still feels really unrealistic, but it is amazing," Centeno added. “The kids are really enjoying the process of getting ready to go to Taiwan.”
For the past three months, the group has been tirelessly practicing their traditional dances, while also diving into Mandarin and learning about Taiwanese culture to make their performance even more meaningful. "We have different foods to cook for us, and we're just excited to experience all this new culture," said Centeno.
The dancers are equally enthusiastic. Diego Serrano, who has been a part of the group for two years, expressed his excitement about sharing Mexican culture on an international stage. “And I feel very proud to be able to take these dances to another place, to Taiwan,” Serrano said. “It’s very fulfilling to the heart to know that all these dances we do, we are going to share with everybody and take them over there, creating new experiences and a bigger community.”
This trip to Taiwan is just the beginning for the Raíces Mestizas Folklorico Group, which has plans to continue their international outreach. Centeno has hopes for more tours in the near future. “What’s next? Keep dreaming. Keep trying different countries. So there’s more plans coming up, and this is just the beginning for this group. I just hope I'm able to provide this to the dancers,” she said.
Looking ahead, the group plans to collaborate with other dance groups, including one from Costa Rica, with hopes of touring Spain. Their journey is one of cultural exchange, community building, and the celebration of heritage — and it’s just getting started.
