Living in Peru » Features : Experience the Wonders of Peru...in Texas!

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18 November, 2009 13:26:04 | in General

Experience the Wonders of Peru...in Texas!

By Cindy Y. Rodriguez

GAMA ARTE Association from PeruIf you were in Houston last weekend then you were sure to attend “Experience the Wonders of Peru” Houston Peruvian Festival in Houston, Texas filled with traditional dancing and folk music, authentic Peruvian food and a silent auction for tickets to Peru.

Festival guests were invited to watch educational videos about Peru and learned when and how to travel to Peru.

Peruvian art exhibited was provided by GAMA ARTE along with vendors selling beautiful Alpaca and Pima cotton garments and jewelry.

The GAMA ARTE Association from Peru is a non-profit museum service organization committed to promoting art and culture and the preservation of Peruvian cultural patrimony.

Art exhibited included sterling silver art by first prize winners in the Patronato Plata del Perú Annual Pageant which has been taking place in Lima since 1997.

The event was held in Houston Heights, a diverse, small-town community in the heart of Houston where “neighbors and businesses thrive, children learn and play, and history lives.”  And of course, the event was made possible by The Consulate General of Peru in Houston, United Nations Inte Fibre 2009, Andean Royalty, and the Peruvian Association of Houston. What made this festival so unique in addition to the art, music and silent auction was that 100% of the proceeds of this event, which at a minimum was a $10.00 donation, are going to benefit the Sunshine Camps (Austin, TX) and Children’s Charity Programs in Peru endorsed by the American Embassy in Lima, Peru.

GAMA ARTE Association from PeruOn Saturday, November 14th, the program ran well into midnight offering music, dance, food, demonstrations, and a silent auction both evenings. Grupo Raices del Peru performed Peruvian folk dancing all three days. They are a Houston-based Peruvian Dance Group from Peru formed in June 1998. Their main goal is to promote Peruvian culture through different folk music and dances from the different regions of Peru participating in different events which serve the community.

Sunday began with a proclamation from Vice Mayor Pro Tem Sue Lovell followed by Family Day where children under the age of 12 were admitted for free. And to sweeten the deal, the first 100 children to arrive received a free goodie bag. Children participated in arts & crafts, games, watched educational videos about Peru and pet live alpacas. There was a story reading session with Peruvian story books as well as Spanish Class for adults and children.

One of the highlights of the festival was Elizabeth Cortez, President of the Peruvian Foundation for the Arts and Education, reading Peruvian children’s books such as “El Zorro y El Cuy,” “El Mono Machin,” and “El Perro Chimoc.” Cortez didn’t stop at reading as she instructed an “Afro-Peruvian” dance class which was readily interactive and had the whole family involved.  People of all ages were swinging their hips to the powerful Afro-Peruvian beats. The Peruvian Foundation for the Arts and Education (PFAE) is a non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas. Their mission is to “educate the local community in relation to the Peruvian heritage by sharing and expanding different aspects of the culture through artistic exhibitions, classes, seminars, and various events.”

Nowadays, there is so much talk of lack of this or that, but it’s wonderful to see a dedicated group of people who want to bring more to the table. These Peruvian based organizations have more in mind than just celebrating their own heritage among other Peruvians—they want to share it with everyone through every possible creative outlet. Not only does Houston have its varied flavors and people but now you can count on a little piece of Peru welcoming you with open arms.

For further information or any interest in donating please click here.


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2 Comments

# says :
19 November, 2009 [ 05:48 ]
I am excited to attented to this event. It is great to have something  especial of South America. Peru is the most beautiful country .
# Valerie Mayer says :
20 November, 2009 [ 11:45 ]
It is a shame that this event wasn't properly advertised. I am always seeking for art exhibitions and interesting cultural events and I am not belive that I missed this great event. Being a Peruvian make the pain hurt twice. Looking forward for the next similiar event.

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