People's Light, one of Pennsylvania's largest professional non-profit theaters, hosted a free all-ages Backyard BBQ to celebrate Latinx culture and their first bilingual production, Mushroom.

Guests had various food, drinks and music to enjoy. Children, as well, had activities. Donations at the BBQ for Casa Guanajuato were collected so they could have their home base for the programs they run. 

"We are here today to celebrate the first bilingual production, Mushroom and the abundance of Latinx leadership, talent, culture and communities that are robust in our communities," Mieke D, Director of Community Programs at People's Light, said.

Performances by Eco Del Sur, Seylin Abarca, Danza Tenochtli of Casa Guanajuato Kennett Square and Interminable were present at the event.

Food and beverages were given by Tacos El Gusano, El Burrito, Paleteria y Neveria Manantial and The Fern & Fable.

"We are also here to celebrate, above all else, interdependence amongst immigrants and all of us who call this land home. In that spirit, People's Light stands on the unseeded ancestral land of the Lenape," D said.

Eco del Sur (Eco of the south) was formed in 2000 and is from New Jersey. They were developed to preserve the heritage and culture of the different Latin American regions. Their band is made of pre-Colombian instruments and popular Latino songs. 

Seylin Abarca is a 12-year-old vocalist from Delaware. The daughter of a Mexican father and Dominican mother can mix both styles of music. Abarca told AL DÍA that her singing style is influenced by her Mexican heritage, while her dancing is a product of her Dominican ethnicity. 

Casa Guanajuato is a hub of culture and education amongst the Latino community of the Kennett Square region. They have been a partner in developing the production Mushroom for the past 10 years. They have also been organizing community gatherings, classes, cultural events and educational opportunities with the Mexican and Latino communities in their area for nearly 20 years.

"It's nice to have events like this because it helps the community come together, especially since we Latinos are a minority," Elena Reyes, Translator, told AL DÍA News. "At times we feel alone, but this event reminds us that we are not and that people care about our culture." 

"I'm excited about 'Eco Del Sur' turning it up and seeing everyone dance. Seeing people from Kennett Square, Phoenixville, Casa Guanajuato and others dancing together is the goal of this event. That was a success for me and I'm so happy about this event. We are so lucky to have everyone that came today," D told AL DÍA News.

The event brought together people of different backgrounds and experiences, who speak different languages and have different cultures, to a single event to share the same food and listen to the same music.