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Launch of a cultural books collection about the Caribbean of Nicaragua

Faustino Salcedo | Aug 31, 2012

The book

A 7 books collection about the culture of 6 indigenous communities of the Caribbean Zone was opened to the public.

The Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, in its entirety, is an attractive place not only for its beauty and tourist potential, but by the great cultural value that represent the different indigenous and afro-descendant communities that live there. In order for us to know more about this wealth, a collection comprising of seven different books on communities of that area of the country: “Identities and cultural heritage”, was launched today at the Culture Palace. The launch was held in a ceremony honoring 25 years of the declaration of autonomy of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua.

The collection consists of books called "Cultural Notebooks". It is headed by an introductory booklet, which addresses the cultural richness of the Caribbean Coast. Following the booklet are 6 copies, each on 6 different aspects of the diverse indigenous and afro-descendant communities, which are: Creole, Garifuna, Miskito, Rama, Mayagna and Ulwa. The Cultural Notebooks will be donated to schools and to the Rubén Darío National Library and will also be sold to the general public. Its price will be announced in the next few days.

This work is part of the final stage of the joint program "Cultural Revitalization and Creative Productive Development of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua." This program is carried out by organizations such as UNESCO, which conforms part of the United Nation System, and the Nicaraguan Government. Monserrat Martell, UNESCO’s Culture Specialist said that: “the cultural notebooks gather an intangible heritage composed of traditions, festivities and ways of each community.

Meanwhile, Luis Morales, co-director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture (INC), declared that the in the joint program, 8 culture houses have been built in both Caribbean Coast regions– North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) and the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS)– . These will be opening in the upcoming months.

During the event medals were awarded to personalities that in some way or another have been ambassadors of Caribbean culture such as the Poet Macfield Davis and songwriters Anthony Matthews and Philip Montalban, among others. The National Orchestra, comprised by its director Pablo Buitrago, performed a Caribbean medley in the event as well.

Signature dishes of the Caribbean Coast such as “Rondón” made of beef and fish (The most famous traditional dish of the Nicaraguan Caribbean); “Patí”, a pastry made with bread and ground beef, and “Pan Bon”, which is bread that is coconut based were offered at the closure of the event. After tasting the culinary flavors of the Caribbean Coast, Philip Montalbán gave a little improvised concert with the help of other Caribbean musicians.

Translated by Paola Larrabure