I chose los Viejitos de Michoacan, because both of my parents are from Michoacan. My dad migrated into the United States when he was seventeen years old and my mom migrated to the United States when she was eight years old. I am the first daughter of my parents, so I am a first generation student that is going to college. Growing up, I have always been into my culture. I enjoy everything about my parents' home place like the food, the music, and the traditions. My parents have always made sure that I spoke Spanish, I liked the food, and knew about their traditons. Since I was five years old, I would visit Michoacan and stay there for months with my grandparents. I remember walking through the plaza and seeing the Danza de Los Veijitos and was so fascinated by it. The Danza de Los Viejitos is a traditional folk dance from Michoacan. The way that they danced was the same way I would see my family dance. The music that the viejitos dance too was fun to hear because it would make me want to dance. When I turned fifteen I had a quinceanera, and I knew I wanted to have la Danza de Los Veijtos at my party. My father and my brother put on the mask and the attire and we did that as the surprise dance. I remember having so much fun and took pride in having that dance as part of my special day. 

– Aylin Alvarez

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant