2nd annual Pozolada at Shore Acres Elementary brings community together during holidays

Shore Acres Elementary Counselor (Consejera) Marcie Torres is excited to share that the school's 2nd Annual "Pozolada" held on Friday, Dec. 20th, was a huge success!

"This event started off as an idea last year, and now is an anticipated tradition organized by Shore Acres' Noon Supervisors, Estela Mojica and Lily Herenandez," Marcie said. It included a Pozole contest in which 13 families and staff members brought pots of pozole to share with the community that were rated by 20 judges.

Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew/soup made with meat and hominy that is typically eaten at celebrations and holidays, Marcie explained. "There are different variations of Pozoles such as Pozole Blanco (white), Verde (green), and Rojo (red), which can also be made with different meats."

People from different regions of Mexico make pozole differently, which gives each version unique flavors, along with special family touches "that can be passed down from generations," Marcie continued. "The overall favorite was a red pozole made by parent Maria Orozco, who was declared the 2024 Queen of Pozole." 

The event also included desserts, a Mexican Band playing music, and toys for every child that attended, Marcie said.

Lily shared that this event is special because the entire community came together to make it happen. This included teachers and staff donating toys for the children and setting up the event, parents helping with decorations and serving food, and Contra Costa Sheriffs also donating toys and bikes.

It's important to have these types of events, Lily added, "since we get to share our culture and traditions to celebrate and bring together our school and community."