Comunidad Tlacolulence en los Angeles
In 2013, Comunidad Tlacolulence en Los Angeles (COTLA) received funding from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grants Program for two observances of this Oaxacan indigenous community. The Mayordormia Tlacolulence, celebrated elaborately with pageantry and symbolism on particular saints’ days, will take place in October in West Los Angeles. Noche de Rabano was introduced in 2004 to California and is observed on December 23. Artisans create figures from radishes and other vegetables to depict nativity scenes or other popular Oaxacan and Mexican icons. Originating from colonial times in Mexico, food carving was done as way for merchants to attract customers to their produce. COTLA has been an organizing presence for 26 years.