Shouting, loud music and singing usually aren’t commonplace at the East Chicago Public Library.

But the recent Mexico en la Piel celebration of Mexican culture included all of the above, and no one seemed to mind.

Held in conjunction with the library’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the program featured a special presentation by Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo and other local talents. Community Leader and local radio personality Eve Gomez served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

“Translated, Mexico en la Piel means Mexico in your skin,” she said. “To have something in your skin is close to the English saying for something to be in your blood.”

In the crowd of more than 150 visitors was Patrica Garcia-Jackson and her children, Ricardo, 12, and Rosalinda, 10.

“My family is still in Mexico, so my kids aren’t able to see many of the events I did while I was growing up,” Mom said. “So, it’s wonderful that they can see some of it here at the library.”

Many other audience members agreed that keeping a family’s customs and traditions alive are of utmost importance to both adults and children.

“I miss the fiestas we used to have in Mexico,” said Francisco Munoz, of Chicago, who is visiting his brother in East Chicago. “When I heard about this celebration, I knew we had to come. Hearing this music is like being home again.”

The program also mentioned a current exhibit at the Indianapolis Historical Society that portrays early Hispanic families from northwest Indiana.

The display “Be Heard: Latino Experiences in Indiana” includes stories and pictures of those from East Chicago as well as surrounding communities.

“Latinos have contributed to the culture of Indiana in direct and indirect ways,” said Nicole Martinez-LeGrand, coordinator of multicultural collections at the Indianapolis Historical Society.

“Their stories have not been told in such depth and detail until now.”

The former Hammond resident is of Mexican descent and is serving as curator of the exhibit.

The exhibit continues on display until Nov. 3 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W Ohio Street, in downtown Indianapolis.

At the conclusion of the library program, visitors were invited to tour the current exhibit in the library’s Templeton Gallery, relating to the Mexico en la Piel celebration. Many cultural costumes and artifacts are featured in the colorful display.

“I love the variety of events they have at this library, we’ve been coming here for many years,” said East Chicago resident Teresa Valladolid, who perused the exhibit with her granddaughter Anahi, 7. “And the program today shows how important it is for my granddaughter and other children to know their heritage.”

The program was sponsored in part by the Foundations of East Chicago.

The East Chicago Public Library offers many programs for the public throughout the year. For more information, call 219-397-2453.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.