Maria Burke, President of Mt. Hood Unida, noted that while Mother’s Day is
important in the United States, it has a special place in Mexico, rivaling
Christmas and Easter in the holiday hierarchy.

“It’s a big holiday,” she said. “We celebrate it with mariachi, dinners (and)
meals with family.”

This month, Mt. Hood Unida, a local nonprofit formed to unite community and
empower Lantinos, will offer a Día de las Madres from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May
7. The event will feature a tamale dinner, mariachi, a makers market and
more, with proceeds supporting Mt. Hood Unida programs.

“We wanted to do Mother’s Day just because we know how big it is in our
culture,” Burke said.

Cristina Saldivar, Vice President of Mt. Hood Unida and Burke’s sister, noted
that moms from all families made sacrifices for their children. Their mother,
Maria Saldivar (who will be catering the event), left her family in Mexico to
start a new life in Welches, without knowing a person here or even the
language.

“Our mother did that for us; we appreciate it very much,” Burke said. “We
have so many different opportunities and we’ve had a wonderful life here on
the Mountain.”

The event will feature a mariachi band made up of students from Woodburn
High School.

“Nothing makes me more proud and feel joy for my culture than that intense,
beautiful sound,” Cristina said. “Mariachi brings people back to a time they
want to remember; events, special days that are a snapshot of culture, joy
and resilience.”

The event’s market will include vendors with arts and goods, including churros
from Tanny’s Bakery in Gresham.

Dia de las Madres will be held at the Mt. Hood Lions clubhouse, 24730 E.
Woodsey Way in Welches. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children and
can be purchased at the door or at Coffee House 26, 67211 Hwy. 26 in
Welches.

Mt. Hood Unida formed last July and kicked off their events calendar with a
Día de la Independencia last September and Día de los Muertos in October. It
offers the Saul Gallegos Ruiz Memorial Scholarship, helping Latinx students in
the Oregon Trail School District participate in school sports.

Burke also noted that Mt. Hood Unida just received grant funding for an
afterschool program starting this fall, Una Voz, where middle school students
can practice Spanish, learn about the culture and more. She added that in the
future, they hope to have a space of their own to help connect people with
resources and more, while Cristina added that future offerings could include
an open mic night, a migrant women’s writing group and more.

“We know that there are some really incredible stories out there on the
Mountain,” she said. “With the organization, there hasn’t been a moment we
haven’t stopped dreaming.”

The group is also looking for possible board members, volunteers and
committee members. For more information, visit www.mthoodunida.org.