¡Mesoamérica Resiste!
A month of celebrating and exploring Central American resistance
This September, CRLN and 18th Street Casa de Cultura are glad to partner with Alma de Izote and CEIBA Colectiva for a month of events exploring Central American resistance.
As we enter the month when Central American independence is celebrated, we invite people to look beyond the traditional narratives of nation-states, independence, and colonial history—and to explore how people across the isthmus have resisted and continue to resist colonialism, neocolonialism, exploitation, and state violence through art, music, language, culture, and the work of social movements.
SEPTEMBER 10
Gráficas de Resistencia: Posters of Rebellion
Exhibition Opening • 6 PM
Our inaugural event is a powerful opportunity to connect art, resistance and historic memory.
Gráficas de Resistencia: Posters of Rebellion features the private archives of Salvadoran artist and propagandist Ramiro E. Ochoa, including revolutionary posters from the 1980s and 1990s by various artists alongside Ramiro’s own work.
The event is an exhibition of art and a conversation between Ramiro E. Ochoa and Nicaraguan graphic artist Carlos Barberena, moderated by CRLN Co-Director Jhonathan F. Gomez.
This exhibition invites us to consider the role of art in revolutionary movements—and to ask whose histories, struggles, and visions are remembered when we celebrate independence.
This event is made possible with support from 18th St. Casa de Cultura, Alma de Izote and CEIBA Colectiva.
Throughout September
September 12 – 12PM
Son Chiquitos: Nawat and Maya K’iche’, Música y Arte1
A signature program of 18th Street Casa de Cultura for children exploring Nawat, an indigenous language form El Salvador and Maya K’iche’, an indigenous language from Guatemala through music and art. Register Here
September 15 – 6PM
La Palabra: Panel Discussion on Central American Social Movements
A conversation and panel discussion lead by CEIBA Colectiva about today’s social movements in Central American. Register Here
September 20 – 6PM
Polinización Cruzada: Storytelling + Discussion with the Beehive Collective
A volunteer-led artistic and activist collective that creates collaborative, copyright-free images as tools for community education and organizing. Register Here
September 21 – 6PM
Forbidden Tongues: Workshop on How We See Indigenous Language in Everyday Culture
Taller Lingüístico / A linguistic workshop, will explore Nawat, an indigenous language form El Salvador and Maya K’iche’, an indigenous language from Guatemala and how they are presented in everyday culture. Register Here
September 27 – 4PM
La Peña: Market and Music + Closing of Art Exhibit
An evening of music, vendors, community, and a closing celebration of the art exhibition. Register Here
Throughout the month, we’ll come together to remember, reflect, and question the official stories of independence and the power of the state, while celebrating the people and communities who continue to fight every day for human rights, dignity, and self-determination.
Join us as we celebrate how the people of Mesoamérica continue to shape their own history.
📍 18th Street Casa de Cultura
2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608
¡Mesoamérica Resiste!
