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Letter: “Luz de las Naciones” story’s assertions don’t correspond with history

(Hunter McCall Winterton | Courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Dancers prepare at the dress rehearsal on Oct. 27, 2023, for "Luz de las Naciones," a celebration of Latino heritage put on by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The story by Alixel Cabrera about “Luz de las Naciones” is quite odd.

Besides the appropriation of indigenous cultures by Latinos/Hispanics, it is claimed that it’s a celebration of 100 years of Latino settlement. Which doesn’t correspond with history.

When Brigham Young arrived at This is the Place, in 1847, this territory still belonged to Mexico.

Earlier than that, in 1776, the Dominguez-Escalante expedition had explored parts of what is now Utah.

Prior to that, Spain, a Latino/Hispanic nation, claimed the land that is now Utah for 300 years from 1521 to 1821.

So, I’m not too sure if Cabrera’s story is altogether true.

Isabel Quilantan, South Salt Lake

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