The Creighton community hosted a celebration of another Omaha community, the Communidad Maya Pixan Ixim on Sunday for the Santa Eulalia Festival.
A celebratory mass took place in St. John’s and was followed by a festival in the Skutt Student Center Ballroom. The event included traditional Mayan music, dance presentations, food and arts and crafts for sale. Sponsored by Creighton’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, Pixan Ixim has a strong connection to Creighton as they interact with students and faculty on a regular basis through student support and service.
Ricardo Ariza, the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, elaborated on Creighton’s connection to Pixan Ixim.
“This particular Mayan community is much more connected to Creighton because of the efforts made by Fr. Ray Bucko, a Jesuit who recently left Creighton this past year,” Ariza said. “Because of our relationship with Fr. Ray we have stepped up to continue the ongoing relationship with the Mayan community. It’s a natural fit in terms of Creighton’s mission and the indigenous population from Guatemala.”
Pixam Ixim doesn’t only cater to those who come from Guatemala, rather they are a community that embraces those from many areas of South America. Arts & Sciences sophomore Michelle Villegas said she has enjoyed doing weekly service at Pixam Ixim. Villegas teaches ESL to immigrants mostly from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and other surrounding countries.
“They build amazing community for immigrants who might otherwise come to Omaha without knowing anyone and often without speaking any English,” Villegas said.
Creighton prides on strengthening its community, both within the university and in the surrounding area.
Pixan Ixim is a community that strongly embraced as they “represent new arrivals to our community whose culture should be embraced” Ariza said. “We are an instruments in helping them celebrate their traditions and opening doors to our facilities as we welcome them.”
Those that missed the celebration but would like to learn more about Pixan Ixim can contact Creighton’s Center for Service and Justice and become a volunteer.