Some 100 Peruvian musicians, in charge of playing the Peruvian cajon (Peru’s wooden percussion instrument), will be the “key players” at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival "Peru: Pachamama" event opening.
The mega event will be attended by musicians, members of the Diplomatic Corps, entrepreneurs, international organization officials and students. It aims at putting the best of Peruvian cuisine, traditions and diplomacy on display.
Luis Miguel Castilla, Peru Ambassador to the U.S. participated in the cajon rehearsal sessions; an unprecedented event held in Washington D.C. Mr. Castilla was also joined by local U.S. citizens.
According to Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva, visitors to the festival will “meet” 12 different Peruvian communities from 10 regions.
One popular to-be-displayed tradition is the construction of Q'eswachaca Bridge, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Likewise, attendees will discover the "caballitos de totora" reed rafts built by fishermen residing in Peru’s Northern La Libertad region’s Huancacho Beaches.
The Folklife Festival will take place Wednesday, June 24, through Sunday, June 28; and Wednesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 5. Hours are from 11 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. every day. Admission is free.
(END) NDP/RRC/RGR