[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 48 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
TRIBUTE TO CLUB ESPANA FOR KEEPING SPANISH CULTURE THRIVING THROUGHOUT 
                               NEW JERSEY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take a moment today to recognize 
the important cultural contribution made to New Jersey by the Club 
Espana of Newark as they celebrate their sixth annual Folkloric 
Festival. This occasion is noteworthy because it also gives us an 
opportunity to honor the significant contribution of Spanish immigrants 
to our great Nation.
  Club Espana is in the forefront of preserving Spanish culture 
throughout New Jersey for the children of immigrants. While fostering 
love for the United States, they try to nurture in young students a 
deep affection for El Cid, Goya, and Cervantes.
  One of their most important activities is their sponsorship of the 
Folkloric Groups of Club Espana. The groups consist of three different 
ensembles: Grupo de Danzas-Alborada, Grupo de Gaitas-Andurina, and the 
Grupo de Flamenco-El Rocio. They are dedicated to maintaining their 
Spanish cultural heritage, while at the same time bringing the special 
charm of Spanish dance and song to the community at large.
  Roughly, 85 percent of the participants in the Folkloric Groups are 
students--ranging from kindergarten to college age--born in the United 
States of Spanish immigrants. Each time the groups perform, they reveal 
a spectacular display of the music dances and a wide variety of 
costumes representing the different regions of Spain. At various times, 
members of the groups have performed in New York City, Washington, DC, 
and in April 1992 the Grupo de Danzas-Alborada and Grupo de Gaites-
Andurina performed in Zaragoza, Spain.
  All the members deserve praise for their efforts, but let me take a 
moment now to single out the accomplishments of several individuals who 
have been crucial in the development of the Folkloric Groups. Andres M. 
Camano works tirelessly as the instructor of the Grupo de Danzas-
Alborada. Nabor Lopez sets an example of hard work and creativity as 
director of the Grupo de Gaitas-Andurina. And, I would be remiss, if I 
did not take note of Carmen Acevedo, the instructor of the Grupo 
Flamenco-El Rocio.
  May the melodious sounds of the Spanish bagpipe, known as a gaita, 
and the graceful dance steps of the Muineira, long remain a large part 
of this country's cultural heritage.

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