Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Victor Hugo, left, and Leticia Elicea organized a monthly gathering of artists and performers to preserve and celebrate Latin American culture.
Latin American artists celebrate with two-day performance party
La Pena Juchit Ireta brings music and theater to Sunnyvale
By Sam Scott
Victor Hugo and Leticia Elicea belong to an endangered species. In these seemingly money-mad times, the Sunnyvale residents are among an even rarer breed-- people who passionately devote themselves to creativity and the arts with nary a thought of financial gain.
Hugo admits he had little choice in the matter. He's had the artist's calling his entire life. "I am an addict of Latin American culture," Hugo says. "I believe art is a way to keep the pride in our culture."
A native of Mexico City who came to the U.S. 13 years ago, Hugo speaks halting English and relies heavily on an interpreter. Nothing, however, is halting about his passion for art. He has committed himself thoroughly. A journalist, music teacher, musician and television and radio host, Hugo tirelessly promotes his cultural addiction, as does Elicea, his wife.
"We do this for love," she says.
The weekend of April 15, Hugo and Elicea will celebrate the sixth anniversary of their biggest project, La Peña Juchit Ireta, a monthly gathering of Latin American artists and spectators assembled in Sunnyvale.
Seven acts, from a Mexican comedian to Aztec dancers to Peruvian musicians will fill the Fremont High School auditorium. Most performers are locally based. Tribu, the headlining group traveling to the event from Mexico City, likely will stay with volunteers.
Fremont's auditorium is a long way from the gathering's beginning in the backyard of Hugo and Elicea's small Sunnyvale home. But they envision the event growing larger. Hugo wants to find a permanent site where he can teach and stage the arts everyday. "Like a good cook, we need more time," he says.
Despite its humble beginnings, La Peña has developed a reputation as one of the most culturally important events in the Bay Area cultural circuit, Latin American or otherwise.
Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Victor Hugo says his passion for Latin arts and music is a calling he can't deny.
Edwin Lopez, a Salvadoran musician whose group, Girasol, will perform on Saturday, says La Peña provides an opportunity for people to experience art on an intimate level. Artists and spectators mingle. He thinks the perception that art is something held at museums and centers for performing arts suffocates people.
"Art shouldn't be just consumed," he says. "At La Peña, you can communicate. It goes both ways."
Like Hugo and Elicea, Lopez expounds the benefits of La Peña and art while questioning the artistic value of modern tech culture. He points to the meaning of the "peña" as a way to illustrate the benefit.
"Peña means a huge rock, like a boulder," he says. "It is a place people can come and ground themselves in their culture. It's just a place you can be truly a human being."
La Peña, he says, provides the foundation for a full life. Lopez invites everyone to the celebration. "La Peña shouldn't be a secret," he says.
La Peña-styled celebrations began in South America 30 ago and spread through Latin America. There are three in the Bay Area: One in San Francisco, one in Berkeley, and the one in Sunnyvale. Hugo says "Juchit Ireta" is indigenous tongue for "my town."
La Peña also appeals to less metaphysical tastes. People who aren't artists, but have an interest in the food and art of new cultures, always are welcome.
"I love the music, the songs and the dance performances," says Beth Nord, a Sunnyvale librarian. "It's a great way to practice Spanish and also find out about another culture that's really our neighbor."
For more details call, 408.732.7829. La Peña's sixth anniversary begins at 7p.m. at Fremont High. A $10 donation is requested. Children are admitted free.
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
