Our Story
From Santiago de los Caballeros to Lawrence, Massachusetts
Who We Are
The Asociación Carnavalesca de Massachusetts (ACM) started as a small, informal cultural group of family and friends. Originally known as "Comparsa de la familia Mirabal" or "Group of the Mirabal Family," it was named after its founder, Stelvyn Mirabal. As the group expanded and welcomed more families, it became the Asociación Carnavalesca de Massachusetts. For over twenty-three years, ACM has been bringing vibrant performances to communities throughout Massachusetts.
Asociación Carnavalesca de Massachusetts is a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions of Dominican Carnaval. Through educational programs, artistic presentations, and community engagement, the association promotes cultural awareness and shares the rich history behind Dominican folklore.
Enjoy a curated display of traditional Dominican Carnaval costumes, an interactive workshop where participants design and decorate their own miniature Dominican masks to take home, or a dynamic live performance featuring our Carnaval dancers, traditional choreography, character movements, and a live demonstration of the Dominican whip.
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.
An Apprenticeship Across Generations
Leonardo Mirabal received a grant through the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support his apprenticeship under his father and master artisan, Stelvyn Mirabal. The funding gave Leonardo his first opportunity to experience Carnaval in the Dominican Republic and learn directly from renowned father-and-son mask makers Manuel and Jeovanny Dejesús. The experience strengthened his artistic skills while deepening his connection to and commitment to preserving Dominican Carnaval traditions.
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 executive director, with a vision to expand ACM into an interactive arts program.
Grandfather. Father. Son.
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 executive director of ACM.
Leadership
Stelvyn Mirabal
Founder & President
Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, Stelvyn founded ACM and has dedicated over two decades to preserving Dominican carnival traditions in Massachusetts.
View profileLeonardo Mirabal
Executive Director
Expert whip-cracker and performer, Leonardo leads ACM's vision of expanding into an interactive arts program offering students opportunities to explore Dominican culture through song, art, and dance.
View profileBoard & Coordinators
Jose Garcia
Vice President
View profileVictor Hernandez
Treasurer
View profileJordano Santos
Clerk
View profileIsaac Cabrera
Youth Coordinator
View profileTo Be Announced
Social Media Coordinator