About Our Community
Cheran, Michoacan
The Latino community in Yancey County is one with a rich heritage, a long history in America, and a fascinating cultural tradition. Most have made their way to the mountains of Western North Carolina from the mountainous farmlands of Michoacán, in Mexico travelling some 2,000 miles to find the geographic and agricultural features of their homeland, while seeking economic viability and a better future for their children.
The mountainous geography of Michoacan is similar to that of Western North Carolina.
Most immigrants to Yancey County are native Americans and hail from villages and towns in the northwest of Michoacán such as Cherán, Sevina, Comachuen, Nahuatzén, Paracho, Arantepacua, and Uruapan. These indigenous people of Michoacán still identify as Purépecha, also known as Tarascans
(so named by the Spanish). Though speaking Spanish and having adopted many other aspects of modern Mexican culture, the Native American language, Purépecha, is the first language of many older members of this community. Our Latino community also includes immigrants from various regions of San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Oaxaca in Mexico, and even Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
Cheran, Michoacan
The Yancey Latino community was built in large part on the seasonal migrant workers who came to farm Christmas trees in Mitchell County for much of the last century. As word of economic opportunity in Mitchell and Yancey counties spread, men stayed in the area and sent money home. Friends and families eventually joined those who had found a home and employment here, but despite this trend, most in the community still have families in Mexico depending upon their support.
Yancey County realizes great cultural enrichment and diversity as a result of having such a robust and culturally distinctive Latino population. Local Latinos share the deep faith, the strong family focus, and the diligent work ethic that has characterized Yancey County natives for generations. In addition, they import a tradition of sun-tempered, vibrant color and energy through artistic traditions that celebrate faith and the seasons with food, dancing, and wholehearted fun. Above all, the Latino community in Yancey County is a model of true community as it is founded upon the enduring love and loyalty of its members.
