[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE ``SOCIEDAD CULTURAL MAYAGUEZANA, INC.''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy that I rise today to 
pay tribute to the ``Sociedad Cultural Mayaguezana, Inc.'' a non-profit 
civic and cultural organization dedicated to uniting the people from my 
birth town of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in the United States and Puerto 
Rico.
  This year I had the honor to march with members of the ``Sociedad 
Cultural Mayaguezana, Inc.'' and other representatives from Mayaguez 
during the National Puerto Rican Parade, which was celebrated on June 
14, in New York City. The Parade, on its 41st year of history, is the 
most popular event held in commemoration of the contributions of the 
Puerto Rican community in the United States.
  The ``Sociedad Cultural Mayaguezana, Inc.'' was established in 1965 
in New York City by a group of people who saw the need to educate our 
community about Mayaguez's historic legacy.
  Under the leadership of its president, Mr. Andres Irizarry Falto, the 
organization has been at the forefront developing educational programs 
on Mayaguez's folklore, history and traditions.
  Among its many activities, the ``Sociedad Cultural Mayaguezana, 
Inc.'' has kept alive the tradition of the ``Three Kings Day'' in our 
community. The organization collected gifts which were distributed to 
low-income children on January 6, the ``Three Kings Day.''
  In addition, young girls from the community are encouraged to learn 
about the traditional ``danza'' and how to dance this classical music 
from Puerto Rico.
  The organization also offers educational seminars. Among their many 
guest speakers, a descendant from the Indian people of Mayaguez, the 
Chief or ``Cacique Cibanacan'' talked to the community about our Indian 
roots.
  Mayaguez was founded in 1760 by Spaniards. Its first inhabitants, 
before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, were Indians known as the 
``Tainos'', which means good or noble. Today Mayaguez has a population 
of 200,000 people. The town, which lies in the southwestern part of 
Puerto Rico, is also known as ``Sultana del Oeste''.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the ``Sociedad Cultural Mayaguezana, Inc.'' for their 
tireless efforts in educating our community and in bringing together 
the people from my birth city, Mayaguez.

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