FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WOODLAND, CA, December 12, 2025 — Mariachi Los Claveles (MLC) and Folklorico Latino de Woodland (FLDW) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing a collaborative partnership to preserve and promote Mexican music, dance, and cultural traditions throughout the Woodland community. The agreement marks a significant development for both organizations as they work to expand youth programming, unify cultural resources, and strengthen community engagement.
Under this new partnership, MLC and FLdW will coordinate efforts on performances, educational workshops, cultural events, and community outreach. The collaboration will debut publicly during the Woodland Holiday Parade on December 13, 2025, where both organizations will participate jointly, showcasing their shared commitment to cultural pride and artistic excellence.
The partnership represents a significant milestone for Woodland, where both organizations serve youth and families through programming rooted in heritage, tradition, and community values. By aligning their work, MLC and FLdW aim to increase access to cultural arts, elevate visibility for local youth performers, and continue building a strong foundation for future generations.
“This partnership unites two beautiful expressions of our heritage—music and dance—while empowering young performers to carry our traditions forward. We’re excited to join our friends at Folklórico Latino De Woodland to bring our shared culture to life through the powerful blend of music and movement, honoring our roots and inspiring audiences of all ages.,” said Juan Esparza, President of Mariachi Los Claveles.
“The MOU between Folklórico Latino de Woodland (FLDW) and Mariachi Los Claveles (MLC) represents a powerful and unique collaboration that opens up an incredible opportunity for youth from both organizations to engage in ways that are rarely seen in the worlds of dance and music. By bringing together the vibrant art of traditional danza folklorica with the live sounds of mariachi music, this partnership fosters an environment where both dancers and musicians can learn, grow, and create in ways that will elevate the cultural experience for everyone involved,” said Martha Michel, President of Folklorico Latino de Woodland. “For the community, this partnership represents more than just a performance—it is a celebration of Mexico's rich cultural diversity. The audience will witness the fusion of distinct regional dance and music traditions, coming together in a shared expression of cultural pride and unity. By highlighting both folkloric dance and mariachi music in one collaborative experience, FLDW and MLC are not only preserving and honoring Mexico's artistic heritage but are also fostering deeper connections between different cultural expressions within the broader community."
Mariachi Los Claveles is a youth-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of mariachi music through instruction, performance opportunities, and cultural education. The program cultivates artistic excellence while strengthening cultural identity and pride among young musicians.
Folklorico Latino de Woodland (FLDW) is a long-standing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that celebrates and sustains Mexican heritage through folklórico dance. FLDW offers youth and families in Woodland dance instruction, performance opportunities, and cultural enrichment that foster community connection and cultural continuity.
The new MOU formalizes the organizations’ shared values and strengthens their collaboration on community events, educational initiatives, and cultural celebrations. Together, Mariachi Los Claveles and FLDW provide young people in Woodland with meaningful opportunities to develop creatively, build leadership skills, and honor Mexican traditions through music and dance.