M. Dolors Sans of Ann Arbor says Asociación de Españoles en Michigan, known as ADEMI, is all about celebrating Spanish culture and inclusiveness.

“We welcome any kind of culture and society — interacting with other communities,” said Sans, president of the the non-profit organization, which recently celebrated its sixth anniversary. “Any community that would be interested to share its traditions.”

Coral Lopez-Gomez — founding president, board member and honorary consul of Spain for Michigan and Indiana — said the organization was formed to help citizens of Spain living in Michigan become acclimated to the culture. It also serves to educate Americans and residents of Michigan about Spanish culture.

“We try to help out the Spanish citizens living here” and “reach out to the community,” said Lopez-Gomez of Ann Arbor.

Sans said the statewide organization has about 60 member families, but a few hundred more participate in its holiday celebrations and activities that happen about four times a year. Most of the group's events take place in the Ann Arbor area, she said.

One celebration group members look forward to, especially children, is Three Kings Day, Sans said. The Jan. 6 Catholic holiday is an important one in Spanish culture.

“We celebrate the three kings, you know, the three wise men,” Sans said. “In Spain it is very, very important for kids. … It’s more important than Santa Claus.”

But, Sans noted, Saint Nick is becoming more popular in Spain with increasing globalization.

Since it's not a national holiday, if Three Kings Day happens to fall on a weekday, the group’s celebration usually occurs the following weekend. In such a delay, to ease the minds of inquisitive children, adults explain the three kings are in Spain and won’t be able to make it to the U.S. until the weekend, Sans said.

The group also hosts an annual tapas contest in April and a paella picnic in June, Sans said. Paella is a rice, meat and fish-based dish prepared in a certain type of flat pan called a paellera.

To commemorate its sixth anniversary, ADEMI hosted a gala on Nov. 13. at the Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor. Lopez-Gomez said the party was a success, drawing about 120 guests.

“Of course, all of our events end up in dancing,” she said with a laugh. “It was a lot of fun. They are always a lot of fun.”

Lopez-Gomez said it is rewarding to be part of such an organization.

“The satisfaction of knowing that we are doing something for our country … and for the Americans who are interested in learning about our country,” she said. “We are open to ideas and want to be a part of the community.”

Lopez-Gomez encouraged anyone who is interested in Spain, the culture, the food, or travel to join the group or attend one of its events.

The next ADEMI event will take place either Jan. 8 or 9 to celebrate Three Kings Day — the exact date has not yet been determined. Sans said anyone interested in attending should check the website closer to the holiday.

There is a one-time membership fee of $25 for an individual or $50 for a family to join ADEMI. Members can attend group events for a discounted price and have the opportunity to be a part of the board of directors.

For more information about the group, including on how to become a member, visit http://www.ademi-usa.org/index.html. Sans said an English version of the website is under construction.

Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.