The mission of the De Colores "HISPANIC CULTURE FESTIVAL" is to showcase, promote and develop the best of Hispanic art, music, dance, literature and leadership.

• This festival, during Hispanic Heritage Month, will include four major events beginning September 15 through October 12, 1996. Events will include an Artist Exhibition and Reception; Music and Dance Festival; the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra featuring Los Tres Reyes; and a Leadership Awards Reception.

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• An original painting has been commissioned from Bernadette Vigil, one of our foremost artists, and will be used in the Festival Poster.

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• Hispanic Art Exhibition & Reception at Museum of Albuquerque. Opening of Exhibition will be September 15, 1996. A reception will highlight the work of 75 artists who will display two miniature pieces of work in a broad range of art fields. Five Awar ds will be given based on peoples' choice vote. Show runs through Sat., Oct. 12th, 1996.

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• An Hispanic Evening with the NMSO and Los Tres Reyes. The full NM Symphony Orchestra will perform Hispanic music and accompany Los Tres Reyes and dancers to especially arranged and choreographed dance spanning styles from Spain, the Caribbean, Sout h America and Mexico, including an original New Mexico composition. Sun. September 22 at The Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque.

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• Leadership Awards Banquet. In this formal Banquet we will honor seven men and seven women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of: Arts, Business, Education, Government, Grassroots Leadership, Humanitarian, and Lifetime Achievement. Nomin ations will come from the Hispanic organizations around New Mexico. Date: Thrs. Oct. 03, 1996. There will be entertainment/dance.

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• Dia de la Raza Music and Dance Festival, Sat. October 12, 1996 at The Albuquerque Museum. The festival will celebrate the birth date of Hispanic Culture and include music/dance representing Native American, Spanish and contemporary Hispanics. The D ance will include: folkloric, modern and traditional dance. The musical talent will include a variety of different styles from throughout New Mexico. Food and refreshments will be provided free to public.

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• The Governor, Legislators, Senators and Congressmen, City Council, County Commissioners, Business, Civic Affairs, Education and other leaders will be invited. Indian communities, grade school students, young people from community centers as well as ancianos will be part of the events.

• Leadership Awards Banquet. In this formal Banquet we will honor seven men and seven women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of: Arts, Business, Education, Government, Grassroots Leadership, Humanitarian, and Lifetime Achievement. Nomin ations will come from the Hispanic organizations around New Mexico. Date: Thrs. Oct. 03, 1996. There will be entertainment/dance.

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• The event's organizers wish to pay tribute to the achievement and leadership of the many people in New Mexico that have carve their niche in the history of our culture through their endeavors.

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• A panel of judges will select seven women and seven men (two in each category) for the Leadership Awards from the nominations submitted. These winners will be honored at the special awards reception on

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• A panel of judges will select seven women and seven men (two in each category) for the Leadership Awards from the nominations submitted. These winners will be honored at the special awards reception on on October 3, 1996.

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• For use in nominating someone for the awards, the following criteria will be considered:

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• Please provide a brief biographical sketch of your nominee. (We reserve the right to edit for publication purposes) 50 - 75 words.

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• Include information about the nominees in the following categories:

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• Professional Accomplishments over and above his/her job requirements. What has this person accomplished within his/her field or position? Has he/she helped others in their company or in their field? How has this individual set himself/herself apart the from the rest of the employees or done something exceptional?

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• Community Involvement: What has he/she done for the community? (Not job related) What has he/she accomplished, i.e., involvement in community service, volunteerism, mentoring, activism, etc.?

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• Leadership Skills: How is this person a leader? Briefly describe the nominee's involvement in this capacity.

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• Cultural Awareness: How has this person demonstrated his/her concern and/or pride in his/her culture? How will the candidate continue to perpetuate pride and awareness in the culture? Briefly explain how.

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• Please include a recent, black and white photograph with the nomination which will be used in the program should the nominee be selected. (Photographs cannot be returned, however).

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• Be advised that the deadline will be on 09-06-96, so make sure to submit your nominations early.

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• Please send letters of support to:
  Hispanic Culture Festival:
  Celebrating 504 Years of Hispanic Heritage
  Attention: Christine Trujillo
  1923 Madeira Drive, NE
  Albuquerque, NM 87110
  (505) 265-4208
  FAX (505) 265-4208 (call first)

In the early 1980s, President Reagan signed a bill to establish Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is used to recognize the contributions of Hispanics to this country and to create more understanding of the nation's burgeoning raza community, which will become the number one minority within a few years.

Hispanic influencein American culture is woven throughout the social fabric of our society. Our culture, history, language, food, architecture, art, music, literature, and dance influences are found in every state of the union.

Hispanic Heritage month runs from September 16 through October 15. October 12th is a key date because it marks the beginning of Hispanic culture (Hispanic defined as the offspring of Spanish and Indian cultures). October 12, 1996 will mark the 504th birthday of Hispanic culture in the world. Throughout Latin American countries, this day is celebrated as "Dia De La Raza/Day of the People."

Hispanic culture, which makes up almost 50% of our state, has had a major influence here for centuries. Hispanic influence is found all around us: the names of rivers, mountains, cities, villages and towns are testimony to our contributions. Hispanic culture has helped make our state one of the most unique in the union. Hispanics were prominent in New Mexico many years before the United States of America was even dreamed about. Hispanics have been leaders in government, politics, business and education, civic affairs as well as the arts -- for hundreds of years.

On October 12, 1996 we will present the HISPANIC CULTURE FESTIVAL for all New Mexicans, to showcase the best of our art, music and dance, and Hispanic leaders who have contributed to our state. This will be a festive opportunity for everyone to become aware of our Hispanic talent and contributions, and to help create more understanding between all Americans.

New Mexico will celebrate the 504th birthday of Hispanic heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 1996 (the date traditionally recognized as the birth of Hispanic heritage is Oct. 12, formally referred to as El Dia de la Raza, The Day of the People). The 1996 Hispanic Culture Festival -- a festival of art, music, dance, theater, literature and a recognition of Hispanic leadership, will take place in Albuquerque.

The festival begins with a miniature art exhibit and reception on Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Albuquerque Museum. The art exhibit will feature statewide Hispanic artists' work in painting and sculpture. The exhibit will remain open to the public through October 12th.

On September 22nd, the Festival presents a Hispanic Music Concert and Dance Performance featuring Los Tres Reyes with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, along with dance performers Rosamaria and Jose Luis, at the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque. Los Tres Reyes, a premier trio performing romantic music, is fromMexico. During more than 25 years together Los Tres Reyes has performed on Linda Ronstadt's Cansones de Mi Padre recording. This concert will mark the first time Los Tres Reyes performs with a full symphony. Rosamaria and Jose will perform especially arranged and choreographed dances from Spain, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and an original New Mexico composition.

An awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 3, will recognize seven Hispanics who have distinguished themselves in the areas of Arts, Business, Education, Government, Grassroots Leadership, Humanitarian, and Lifetime Achievement. Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 6th. The awards reception to honor the recipients will be at a quality venue in Albuquerque on October 3rd.

El Dia de la Raza, October 12, will be celebrated at Tiguex Park in Albuquerque with a full day of activity. Local musicians will be featured along with speakers. Expect a variety of artists, poets, writers, dancers, theater groups, and food vendors to contribute to the day's many activities. For more information on events, call (505) 897-9259.

The Hispanic Culture Festival is produced not only to celebrate the 504th birthday, but to serve as an opportunity for the entire New Mexico community to share in the celebration of Hispanic culture. It is produced by De Colores, Inc., a non-profit organization whose goal it is to create awareness and pride in the cultures prevalent in New Mexico.

The Hispanic Culture Festival: Celebrating 504 Years of Hispanic Heritage, is a month-long festival of art, music, dance, theater, literature, and recognition of Hispanic leadership beginning September 15, 1996.

This festival includes four major events: a Hispanic Art Exhibit and Reception at the Albuquerque Museum, and Evening of Hispanic Music and Dance Performance at the Rio Grande Zoo, a New Mexico Hispanic Leadership Awards Reception at a quality venue in Albuquerque, and a day-long celebration of performance at Tiguex Park adjacent to Albuquerque's Old Town.

Organizers for the festival are looking for volunteers to help with planning and working at these events. For more information call Sandra Pacheco at (505) 897-9259.