My SantAna Moratorium

“This was inspired by the many bike and bus rides I have experienced in the last month as well as this past weekend’s empowering events that reminded me of my Chicana pride! A salute to SantAna!” — Sarah Rafael Garcia, March 22, 2010

I’m on a bus to Santana, where my past exists and the roads that lead to foreign lands beg for my return. Donde se encuentran las flores mas brillantes and the aromas consist of pan, carne asada y chile picante.

I’m on a bus to Santana, where the people speak Spanish and Chente is heard from cars that read “Viva Mexico, Michoacán y Zacatecas”. Where I can find, mazapan, mangos con chile y limón, and homemade tortillas from a Taco truck along the busy streets. Where I find myself entranced by the past in order to change the future.

Santana, filled with people who remind me of my abuelito’s beautiful brown skin, who get to work on foot, on bikes, only to do the labor no one else would choose. Filled with community leaders of diverse backgrounds, determined activists and our youth who embrace the arts.

Why am I on a bus to Santana? I go to fill my heart with culture, to walk hand in hand con la raza, con la gente, con la proxima generación.

I’m on a bus to Santana, so people could ask, “Where are you going?” and I can respond with pride. So I can direct them to El Centro Cultural de Mexico, Calacas on 4^th y a la misma vez – to my favorite agua de horchata.

I’m on a bus to Santana to change childhood memories, empower nuestro pueblo – nuestro orgullo, our City of Santa Ana!

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