Rachel Ornelas: Preserving Cultural Heritage

Versión en español>>Raquel “Rachel” Ornelas: Preservando el Patrimonio Cultural

Rachel Ornelas, the Cultural Heritage Manager for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, has been an integral part of the event since 2003. With a background in recreation management and extensive experience in festival organization, she brings a unique perspective to her role, focusing on presenting cultural traditions, particularly Native American and folklife traditions of Louisiana.
Ornelas’ connection to music and culture runs deep. Hailing from Texas, her family is of Mexican descent, and her father was a Tejano musician, which significantly influenced her passion for music and cultural preservation. This upbringing led her to a career dedicated to showcasing and celebrating diverse traditions. As she notes, her father’s influence “kind of dictates my life, essentially, like I was living my whole life going to festivals with him or going to concerts.”

At Jazz Fest, Ornelas is responsible for working with “tradition bearers,” including blacksmiths, basket weavers, and other artisans who represent the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana. She finds immense joy in bringing these individuals to the festival, providing them with a platform to share their crafts and knowledge with a large audience. She emphasizes that Jazz Fest is unique in its dedication to presenting these cultural aspects, setting it apart from many other festivals. “To be able to present those people and bring them to the festival is amazing,” she states, highlighting her appreciation for the work.

Ornelas’ approach to discovering and inviting these tradition bearers involves extensive community engagement. She attends various events, listens to community members, and collaborates with advisory committees, folklorists, and the Louisiana Folklife Commission. She credits her mentors, particularly Nancy, for teaching her the importance of having an “ear to the ground” and understanding different communities.

This year, Ornelas is also consulting for the Cultural Exchange Pavilion, which is spotlighting Mexico. She has been involved in advising on the selection of musicians, artists, and traditions to be showcased, highlighting the vast and diverse culture of Mexico. She is particularly excited about the music lineup, including Lila Downs, Lisa Cecilia, and El Dusty, as well as the art displays, such as Dia de Los Muertos altars and papel picado artisans.

For Ornelas, Jazz Fest is more than just an event; it’s a community and a family. She values the long-standing relationships with crew members and the sense of camaraderie that has developed over the years. Her work at Jazz Fest and her activism with the NALAC organization are a testament to her dedication to preserving and celebrating cultural traditions, both within Louisiana and beyond. She hopes that the Latino community will come out to support the festival and enjoy the cultural offerings, particularly the spotlight on Mexico this year.