San Juan College will celebrate Día de los Niños, Children’s Day, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 29, at the San Juan College Learning Commons Plaza.
Día de los Niños is a celebration originating in Mexico that is now celebrated in many countries throughout the world. It is a day designated to recognize and celebrate the important role children play in society.
According to Texas Library Association, Texas author and nationally recognized children’s author Pat Mora led efforts to establish the celebration in the U.S. after hearing about the Mexican tradition in a 1996 public radio interview.
Mora believed the well-being of children was intrinsically linked to literacy. Día de los Niños became paired with Día de Los Libros, Book Day, the following year.
In 1997, the governor of New Mexico and the mayor of Santa Fe issued proclamations announcing the annual event held on April 30 each year and highlighting the ideas behind its observance. Children’s Day/Book Day honors children and childhood, promotes literacy and its link to books, language and culture, honors home languages and cultures, promotes the involvement of parents in developing literacy and highlights the importance of libraries.
Mora now lives in Santa Fe and is frequently invited to attend events across the country.
The celebration hosted by San Juan College this year will bring together area libraries, performers, museums, organizations and clubs. Bloomfield Public library will be bringing the “libros” to the event, with book and literacy themed games and information at its booth.
Families may access book lists and resources related to Día de los Niños/Día de Los Libros on the Association for Library Services for Children website.
The New Mexico governor typically issues a proclamation on Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros each year, though this year’s proclamation from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not yet been released.
“ENLACE and the San Juan College Herencia Latina Center are excited to host this annual celebration, providing children an opportunity to play games and enjoy a day dedicated specifically to them,” said Arely Caro, director of the San Juan College ENLACE/Herencia Latina programs.
The event is free and family-friendly, and will highlight children’s summer activities in San Juan County. There will also be games, prizes, face painting, child safety seat inspections and food for sale from the Colores Club. Luke Renner, the Yo-Yo Slinger, will perform yo-yo tricks at the event as well.
Exhibitors will include the Farmington Police Department, Farmington Public Schools – Ready for Kindergarten, Bloomfield Public Library, Carrasco Dance Productions, Sycamore Community Center, San Juan College Kids Kollege, First Born, Farmington Fire Department, Safer N.M., Boys & Girls Club of Farmington, E3 Children’s Museum and New Mexico Department of Health.
For more information, visit www.sanjuancollege.edu/DiaDeLosNino or call (505) 566-3873.
