Latina Mayan community to host traditional fashion show in Dover

Women from the local Latina Mayan community will present a fashion show Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth & Faith in downtown Dover.

Models will showcase traditional Guatemalan attire and share the cultural significance behind the patterns woven into skirts and the symbolic figures embroidered on blouses. Guatemalan weaving, a centuries-old Mayan tradition, uses the backstrap loom and other techniques to create blouses, skirts, hair ribbons and belts. The designs often reflect spirituality, lineage and community.

“I am so proud of these two young women — Mariela and Yohayra,” Belinda Lentz said. “They came up with the idea, enlisted the aid of family and friends so that they could share the beauty of the clothing worn by the models. They are creative and show us a perfect example of family and community working together.”

Fourth & Faith is located at the corner of East Fourth Street and North Wooster Avenue next to St. John’s United Church of Christ. Registration is available at doverlibrary.org/events or by calling 330-343-6123.