La Peña Cultural Center facts for kids
La Peña Cultural Center, often called La Peña, is a special place in Berkeley, California. It's a multicultural center that started in 1975. It was created by people from Latin America and California. They wanted to respond to a big event in Chile in 1973, called a golpe de estado (which means a government takeover). La Peña became a key spot for people who were against the dictator Augusto Pinochet when he was in power. Today, it's a nonprofit organization. Its main goal is to help people find peace, fairness, and community through art, learning, and working together. You can find La Peña at 3105 Shattuck Avenue in the Ashby neighborhood of South Berkeley, California.
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The Story of La Peña
La Peña was founded in 1975 by a group of people. This group included five Americans and three Chilean people who had left their home country. Some of the founders were part of a group called Non-Intervention in Chile (NICH). This group worked to support the Chilean government before the takeover.
The center was a main gathering spot for people who were against Augusto Pinochet. He was a dictator who ruled Chile. La Peña was created with a strong belief. Its founders thought that art and culture should help make changes in the world.
A Place for Art and Community
Since it officially opened in 1975, La Peña has become a home for many communities. It offers classes and events from different cultures. These traditions come from North and South America, and the Caribbean.
For example, you can learn Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena dances. There are also Afro-Peruvian cajon and dance classes. Other classes include Capoeira Angola from Brazil. You can also learn Son Jarocho jarana & zapateo from Mexico. Cuban Charanga and Salsa student groups also practice here.
The Café Valparaíso
A restaurant was added to La Peña in 1976. It later became known as Café Valparaíso. This café was famous in the neighborhood for its great food. It was also called Café de la Peña.
The café sold special Chilean foods and unique items. Its menu focused a lot on Chilean empanadas. Over time, the menu grew to include other Latin American foods. These came from Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. However, it still served many Chilean dishes, like humitas. The café later moved and closed in 2018.
Music and Dance at La Peña
In 2005, La Peña was known for its involvement in many art forms. These forms came from African slaves in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. The center offered lessons and performances of two dances. These dances are the percussion-driven plena and bomba.
La Peña also has its own music groups. These include the La Peña Chorus and Lab Hip Hop Ensemble. It is also known for its "Little Friends of La Peña" concert series. This series offers bilingual musical shows for children.
La Peña's Community Impact
La Peña is a yearly meeting place for Chileans living outside their home country. They hold meetings and celebrations for Chilean independence. These are called fiestas patrias. They also celebrate Christmas and the anniversary of the 1973 Chilean takeover.
La Peña is a registered charity. This means it is a non-profit organization. It focuses on promoting the arts. The outside of the building has a mural inspired by Nueva Canción music. The center teaches traditional Chilean music, art, and more. It also includes other Latin American and Spanish-speaking cultures. There is a special focus on South American traditions.
The space is also used to raise money for local causes. For example, it supports the KPFA radio station. It also helps with relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
Helping Others: Charity Work
In 2010, La Peña hosted a special event called Mano a Mano (Hand in Hand). This event was a benefit for the people affected by the 2010 Chile earthquake. They hoped to raise $10,000 in donations to help.
See also
In Spanish: Centro Cultural de La Peña para niños
