Our Story
From Santiago de los Caballeros to Lawrence, Massachusetts
Our Journey
Roots in America
Stelvyn Mirabal arrives in the United States and joins the folkloric dance group at Club Los Trinitarios, keeping his connection to Dominican cultural traditions alive.
ACM Is Born
Seeing the need to preserve Dominican folkloric traditions in Lawrence, MA, Stelvyn forms a comparsa to participate in Lawrence's 2nd Dominican Parade.
Major Expansion
ACM imports 16 masks from the Dominican Republic, significantly growing the comparsa and its cultural impact in the community.
National Recognition
ACM leads the Lowell Folk Festival opening parade and is featured by the Mass Cultural Council in 'Keepers of Tradition.'
Governor's Inauguration
ACM performs at Governor Charlie Baker's inauguration celebration in Boston, bringing Dominican carnival to the State House.
El Carnaval Continúa
The Essex Art Center in Lawrence hosts a dedicated exhibition of ACM's costumes, masks, and history — 'El Carnaval Continúa.'
New Generation
Leadership transition begins as Leonardo Mirabal steps into the role of incoming president, with a vision to expand ACM into an interactive arts program.
The Mirabal Family Legacy
Carnival tradition runs deep in the Mirabal family. Stelvyn learned from his uncle, his father Rafael — a tailor — made the carnival suits, and the entire family participates in keeping the tradition alive. Now, his son Leonardo is carrying the legacy forward as incoming president of ACM.
Leadership
Stelvyn Mirabal
Founder & Executive Director
Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Stelvyn has dedicated over 25 years to preserving Dominican carnival traditions in Massachusetts.
Leonardo Mirabal
Incoming President
Expert whip-cracker and performer, Leonardo envisions expanding ACM into an interactive arts program offering students opportunities to explore Dominican culture through song, art, and dance.