Carlos Gonzalez, coordinator of Segundo de Febrero commemorations in San Antonio, said the treaty marked the political birth of the Chicano movement, and has roots that extend beyond the historical to the spiritual.
"Feb. 2 is not only the signing of the treaty, but in our Catholic understanding it's also la candelaria, the levantada del niño," Gonzalez said. "In respect to old tradition that the baby in Jewish times was not taken out of the home until 40 days after, so from Dec. 25 to Feb. 2, that's the 40 day period."
Rogelio ‘Smiley' Rojas is a member of Danza Azteca Xinachtli, a ceremonial dance group with indigenous roots. Rojas said the anniversary has a strong pull with the indigenous community. His group frequently plays masses that commemorate the Segundo de Febrero. He said the ceremony blends not only Catholic elements, but indigenous ones.
"In our tradition, we have four directions," he said. "We do our dance, the ceremony, then the flowers — the petals — are spread out in the four directions and into the center."
The ceremony also has a blessing of the seeds, to mark the beginning of the agricultural season.
Segundo de Febrero is celebrated in three states, Texas, Arizona and Colorado. Texas has been marking the anniversary of the signing of the treaty for 40 years. Arizona began commemorating Segundo de Febrero 20 years ago, and Colorado, three years ago.
Gonzalez sees Segundo de Febrero celebrations expanding across the Southwest.
"We would like to continue promoting awareness of ourselves as a people celebrating the diversity that is within each of us and bringing to light the historical context that probably gives us a little better understanding of the political dynamics that are going on right now," he said. "It's an event that took place, it's a reality that our people have dealt with, and we're going to continue to evolve into a better world."
