This July 30th in Baldwin Park, Califas, Danza Cuauhtemoc will be celebrating a Fiesta del Maiz related to the Aztec goddess of corn, Xilonen (she-lon-en). Named after the golden hair-like tassels found on unshuked corn, Xilonen is also the goddess of food and produce, and by extension - fertility. The powerful goddess is also the wife of Tezcatlipoca (tehs-cah-tlee-poh-cah), the sorcerer god of night who sees all in his smoking mirror of obsidian… hence his name, Lord of the Smoking Mirror. This year’s Xilonen ceremony will be cause for much dance, prayer, and blessing of foods, giving strength and vision to the people of corn. Everyone is encouraged to come and participate in the ceremony. Danza Cuauhtemoc is especially aware of the attempts by the racists of “Save Our State” to desecrate the statue, Danza Indigenas, created by Chicana artist Judy Baca for the city of Baldwin Park - so this year’s Xilonen ceremony will also help revitalize the spiritual power necessary to resist those out to destroy indigenous culture. The ceremony will be held from 11 to 5 pm., in the city of Baldwin Park - Saturday, July 30th, in Morgan Park (click here for directions). For more information, check the Danza Cuauhtemoc webpage.