Just before sunset on Saturday, as dozens settled onto a grassy lawn at the University of the Pacific, Magaly Reyes gathered herself, incense smoke pooling at her feet.
There, surrounded by members of other tribal nations, she carried the incense across the space, acknowledging each of the four directions as a Mexica traditional dance group opened their ceremony.
Then, the drums started. Holding her ayacaxtli, a handheld rattle, in one hand, Reyes said it felt as if the energy of those around her came together, as dancers and spectators shared the space…