Folk/Memories Maria Baeza Newburgh

The Folk Festival: speaking Spanish for a solid week with visiting entertainers, dancing to salsa til my feet could barely move. These memories are still fresh in my mind and make my heart smile. Born in Puerto Rico and brought up in New York, I moved to Maine more than 30 years ago. Although I have created a rich and full life here, as a minority I have at times felt culturally isolated and lonely. Maya Angelou speaks about the importance for people of differences to have places where their uniqueness and beauty are reflected back to them. For me, the festival was that much-wanted reflection.

When I danced to Viento de Agua, the floor was filled with my Maine neighbors. We came together, sharing and celebrating the rhythms of my childhood. I felt a special bond in those moments, a connectedness about celebrating diversity.

Editor?s Note: For Newburgh resident Maria Baeza and many other Mainers, the 64th National Folk Festival was a memorable time. Baeza and others will share their experiences starting today in ?Folk Memories,? an occasional column running before the

65th National Folk Festival Aug 22-24.