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Corn Fair in Jalapa

ViaNica.com | Sep 18, 2009

Cinthia Membreño

The municipality of Jalapa, situated in the department of Nueva Segovia, will celebrate during three days a new edition of the Corn Fair. This annual activity gathers inhabitants from different communities of the zone who sell products derived from this cereal. The event, which started today, Friday 18, will also include a great number of activities for local and foreigner visitors, such as equestrian festivities, the election of the Corn Queen 2009 and a bike competition.

María Elena Rivera, executive coordinator of Oyaka Women Center (association that will participate in this event) explained that the slogan of the fair is "Jalapa con su maíz, orgullo de mi país" (in English would be: "Jalapa with its corn, the praid of my country"). The executive said that the fair started today, at 6:00 pm, with a peasants festival in which 22 groups, constituted by members of different communities competed in a singing contest with songs related to corn.

Rivera also comented that tomorrow, September 19, a colorful parade will begin at 9:00 am. Later, at 10:00 pm, one of the 23 candidates for Corn Queen 2009 will be chosen. On the other hand, Sunday 23 will be a sports day. A bike competition from Jalapa to the community of Teotecacinte will start at 7:00 am. The traditional equestrian parade will also take place on Sunday, leaving from Petronic gas station at 2:00 pm.

The executive of Oyanka Women Center stated that aproximately more than 5000 people attended last year´s festival. "We are expecting that quantity or more", she said. For further informartion concerning the event visit our Events Calendar.