Mexico recognized Mexican expatriate and Seoul National University professor of Spanish language and Hispanic culture and literature Claudia Macias de Yoon for her work in promoting Korean-Mexican relations through her many years organizing the Mexican community in Korea.

Mexican Ambassador to Korea Martha Ortiz de Rosas presented Macias de Yoon with the Ohtli Award at the ambassador’s residence in Seongbuk-dong in Seoul, Wednesday, for her work establishing and then leading the Association of Mexican Residents in Korea in 2007.

The association has proved in important disseminating announcements by the Mexican Embassy and circulating news and information through the growing community of some 400 Mexican expatriates here.

The Ohtli Award is the highest honor presented to a Mexican civilian outside Mexico for services rendered to the dissemination of Mexican culture abroad. “Ohtli” is a Nahuatl word signifying “path,” and “one who opens pathways.”

The association Marcias de Yoon founded organizes an annual celebration, “Fiesta de Virgen de Guadalupe,” in December that has become popular among Spanish-speaking communities in Korea. This year’s Fiesta de Virgen de Guadalupe will be held at Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine in Hapjeong-dong, Seoul, on Dec. 9.

Marcias de Yoon also organized workshops for children of Mexican and multicultural families born in Korea. She is married to Seoul National University professor Yoon Bong-seo and has lived in Korea with her husband for more than a decade.

“I want organize Mexican families in cities outside the Seoul metropolitan region, promote Mexican culture and help integrate families, for example, living in Busan, Ulsan and Masan,” she said.

Some 360 people have received the Ohtli Award since 1996 when it was first established. Most went to Mexican-Americans who distinguished themselves in promoting the Mexican-American community in the United States. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Paddy Moloney of Irish musical group The Chieftains also received the award.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)