Senate Resolution No. 2267

BY: Senator ROLISON

CONGRATULATING the City of Poughkeepsie upon the
occasion of hosting the 17th Annual Guelaguetza
Festival on August 4, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the City of Poughkeepsie upon the occasion of hosting the
17th Annual Guelaguetza Festival on Sunday, August 4, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Originating in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Guelaguetza Festival is
an annual celebration that brings families, friends, and communities
together to celebrate, dance, and enjoy the colorful traditions of
Oaxaca; and

WHEREAS, The local Oaxacan community began the festival, now in its
17th year, in order to strengthen cultural and community bonds in the
city of Poughkeepsie and the broader Hudson Valley region; and

WHEREAS, "Guelaguetza" is a word from the indigenous Zapotec
language that means sharing of mutual gifts, and that is the spirit of
Poughkeepsies' festival where more than 100 artists, dancers, musicians,
and singers present the culture and traditions of the eight regions of
Oaxaca, Mexico, highlighting the typical dances, the music of the towns,
the flavors, and the majestic colors of the costumes of Oaxaca; and

WHEREAS, A binational celebration, groups, presenters, and teachers
coming specially from Oaxaca, Mexico, gather at this renowned event to
participate in the La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie Festival; and

WHEREAS, The Poughkeepsie shore of the Hudson River has been home to
La Guelaguetza since 2008; this most important of festivals for the
Oaxacan community is an opportunity to spend time with friends and
neighbors regardless of race, color, language, gender identity, or
nationality; a moment for all to enjoy the culture, traditions, music,
dance, food, and identity of the native peoples of Oaxaca; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the City of Poughkeepsie upon the occasion of hosting the
17th Annual Guelaguetza Festival on August 4, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Grupo Folclorico de Poughkeepsie and the Poughkeepsie
Guelaguetza Organizing Committee.