The 20th annual Rebozo Festival was held at the Camarillo Ranch on Sunday, May 19.
Nestled under the giant evergreens, palms, and the 135-year-old Moreton fig tree, the festival sold an estimated 800 tickets and provided a large gathering to financially support nonprofit agencies throughout Ventura County.
The Master of Ceremony was the well-known realtor from Michoacán, Gerardo “Jerry” Ascencio.
Launched in 2005 as a fundraiser by founder and director Irma J. Lopez, it began in her backyard with a much smaller group of 250 people. From there it grew rapidly each year.
“I used to live in a cul-de-sac,” said Irma. “As it grew, the people would fit in my yard, but the cars wouldn’t fit on the street.”
Today, its size is indicative of the large community of “madrinas” (Spanish for godmothers) who support it. The money raised from sponsorships and ticket sales is donated to nonprofits who submit a grant proposal to Las Madrinas.
“They write a grant and in September, we make the choice and then they receive the money this year,” Irma explained.
During the event, especial presentation was made in honor of Irma for her 20 years of services to the local community and it was County Supervisor Vianey López that presented Irma with a Commendation for her work in the community. This year Luz Villaseñor Cuevas was named the 8th Honorary Madrina for her contributions to the local community. VIDA Newspaper received a special recognition for it’s 40th anniversary of service to the local community and it’s 20 years of support to the Rebozo Festival.
The rebozo, a colorful Mexican scarf, is the symbol of the festival. The scarves which are sold at the festival are selected from various locations throughout Mexico. The madrinas take periodic trips down to Mexican locations such as Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Jalisco.
For Irma, the rebozo is symbolic of Latino warmth and generosity. “It embraces the warmth of our Latino culture to our community,” she said. “It’s a symbol of love. We carry our babies in it. We carry groceries in it. We use it for festivals like today.”
This year’s one of the three recipients of the Festival’s 2024 Grants for $20,000 was CSU Channel Islands Foundation, Rebozo Festival Scholarships AB540 Students and LULAC Youth Council #2102.
As part of the day’s festivities, music was provided by Ballet Folklorico Mestizo, Trio Sensación, Instone and Mariachi Águilas de J. Carlos Ozuna as well as a special presentation by Tere Vallejo “La Coyota”.
To highlight the rebozo, a fashion show was hosted by the Señoritas del Rebozo. Irma Lopez. Lopez Originally, from Camarillo, she attended St. Mary Magdalen School at the chapel that Adolfo Camarillo helped to build. She is excited to have the festival connected to his legacy as a benefactor in the local community.
“I feel that he’s up there in spirit,” she acknowledged, “looking down and seeing that we’re sharing the traditions of his heritage. I think he’s very happy.”