The Ramona Library brought music, dancing and books to its Dia de los Ninos celebration for kids and their families.
Children clapped and rattled shakers in time to Spanish and English songs performed by Nathalia Palis during her bilingual music presentation.
Palis told the audience of about 50 attendees at the May 1 event that she started writing songs in Spanish to teach her kids the language and about her own heritage growing up in Colombia, South America.
Palis said she often sang to her children to make their experiences more engaging.
“It’s so much more fun when we sing together and be part of the musical experience together,” she said as she strummed a guitar.
The musician who tours internationally asked the kids if they are involved in writing, playing music, creating art or competing in sports.
“You get inspired by what experiences are around you – friends, family and books in the library,” she said.
She shared a story of her own experience encountering an iguana in her backyard while she was relaxing in a hammock before school when she was 7 years old. She sang a song about her memories of the lizard and told the children that the iguana ate flowers in her mom’s garden and fruit out of their basket.
“My mom chased the iguana with a broom in our backyard,” Palis said, adding that the iguana ran to safety and she never saw him again.
After the children danced with colorful scarves and bubbles, they were entertained by the Ramona del Sol Ballet Folklorico dancers taught by Aida Perez.
Ramona residents William and Areli Rojas brought their two children, ages 7 months and 3 years old.
“It was fun and entertaining,” William Rojas said. “It was nice having both languages combined in the songs.”
Ramona resident Raquel Bennett brought her 8-year-old daughter to dance Ballet Folklorico. Bennett said she appreciates that Perez teaches about Mexican culture, not only to her daughter but to other students that have an American and Mexican heritage.
Her free Ballet Folklorico classes are held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday at Ramona Library, 1275 Main St. The classes are open to anyone ages up to 18 years old.
“I’m very thankful my daughter is taking these classes,” Bennett said. “I’m a Mexican mom and I want my kids to understand this is part of our Mexican culture and to learn about it.
“Aida is a great teacher,” she added. “She’s bringing Mexican culture to everybody.”
Ramona Library Children’s Librarian Kelly Dunn said most branches in the San Diego County Library system celebrated Dia de los Ninos in April. The Ramona Library’s celebration was delayed until May 1 because the branch had been closed Feb. 19 through April 30 for repairs.
Dia, which is short for El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), began in 1996 as a way to combine the celebration of children with a love of books and literacy, said Kristin Ward, chief of learning, marketing and engagement for the San Diego County Library.
Inspired by the traditional Mexican Children’s Day, author Pat Mora envisioned a holiday that honors all children while promoting the importance of reading and cultural diversity, Ward said. Although it culminates nationally on April 30, Dia is celebrated year-round through programs that connect families to diverse books, languages and cultures, she said.
“San Diego County Library celebrates Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros because we believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued and inspired through books and learning,” Ward said.
A variety of free books were distributed to children who attended the Ramona Library’s Dia de los Ninos event.
