North Carolina dance group keeps Mexican traditions alive

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, one local dance group is helping preserve Mexican culture and traditions through music, dance and colorful costumes.

The group performed at last month’s Cape Fear Latino Festival in Wilmington, showcasing traditional Mexican dances and celebrating the region’s Hispanic community.

For member Crystal Ticante, the group is about more than performing. It brings together girls and women as young as 5 years old, giving them an opportunity to learn about their heritage and pass those traditions on to future generations.

“They get to learn from their culture, their heritage,” Ticante said. “So, some of them haven’t had a chance to go to Mexico, so they learn it here and they can pass that on to their generation. So, it’s kind of like a tradition.”

Ticante said the group was also invited to perform for the Carolina Hurricanes.

The dancers are now preparing for their next performance celebrating Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have died.