Historic Celebration: Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest 2024, a tribute to heritage, culture, and unity

By Cap. Rey GARCIA-SALAS.- The Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest 2024 stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring bond between Canada and Peru. This historic event, held over two days on Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, 2024, celebrated the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture and its integration within the Latin American multicultural landscape in Canada. From 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, the festival showcased a diverse array of cultural performances, ceremonial tributes, and community recognitions, culminating in a celebration of unity and cultural pride.

Protocolary Celebration: Sunday, July 28

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Protocolary Ceremony

The festival’s official ceremony commenced with the heartfelt rendition of the national anthems of Canada and Peru, setting the tone for a day steeped in cultural significance. This year marked the 203rd anniversary of Peru’s independence, recognizing the shared history and contributions of the Peruvian community in Canada.

A key highlight was the recognition of the Indigenous lands of Canada, emphasizing respect and gratitude towards the original custodians of the land. The Honorable Consul of Peru, Ítalo Acha, delivered an inspiring message reflecting on the historical ties and contributions of Peruvians in Canada and the independence of Peru.

Betzabe (Betsy) Requena, President and Director of Casa Cultural Peruana, shared the organization’s mission to promote Peruvian culture in Canada through various cultural events and exchanges. The ceremony also featured a moving artistic representation of Rey Garcia-Salas’ poem “More than 500 Autumns,” performed by members of Casa Cultural Peruana, Marimba Almaya, and Centre Culturel Jaguar Ix Balam. This powerful poem highlighted themes of environmental degradation, cultural loss, and resilience, resonating deeply with the audience.

Captain Rey Garcia-Salas delivered a speech, highlighting the profound contributions and sacrifices of soldiers with ties to Latin America who served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars. His words were a tribute to the fallen heroes and a call to remember and honor their legacies.

Captain Garcia-Salas emphasized the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of Latin American soldiers who voluntarily joined the Canadian Armed Forces, contributing significantly to the Allied efforts during the wars. He gave special recognition to Private Rafael Rodriguez, a Mexican-born soldier who served with the Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment) in the 42nd Division during the First World War. Rodriguez’s story, marked by bravery and ultimate sacrifice, served as a powerful reminder of the personal costs of war and the importance of honoring those who have served.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Captain Garcia-Salas highlighted the contributions of Peruvian aviators during the Second World War. He honored pioneers such as Democrito (Mito) Ribeiro and Francisco (Paco) Perez, who were among the first Peruvians to join the RCAF. Their expertise and dedication played a crucial role in the Allied war effort, embodying the spirit of international cooperation and commitment to freedom and justice.

Captain Garcia-Salas also acknowledged the significant contributions of Colombian soldiers during the wars, mentioning individuals like Peter Puyo and James Clinton, who fought valiantly alongside their Canadian comrades. Their service exemplified the shared values and sacrifices that have shaped both Latin American and Canadian histories.

Presentation of Names to Consuls:

Captain Garcia-Salas presented the names of Latin American soldiers to the consuls of their respective countries who attended this historic event, recognizing their contributions to both Canada and their nations of origin.

• Peruvian Soldiers: The Consul General of Peru in Toronto, Hon. Ítalo Acha, received the names born or tied to Peru, including Vic Crothalin, A. Velásquez, Robert John Lancashire, Hadley Maurice Harrison, Democrito Ribeiro, and Francisco Pérez.
• Guatemalan Soldiers: The Vice-Consul of Guatemala, Hon. Silvia Samines, accepted the names of Guatemalan soldiers such as Arnulfo del Compare, Robert Theodore Hempstead, Denis Koester, John Gordon Smith, and Mario Fernandez de León.
• Colombian Soldiers: Esteemed Colombian military members, including Major José Luis Parra, Major Cesar Chisica, Lieutenant Álvaro Orrantia, and Second Lieutenant Lina Pérez, were honored with the names of born or tied to Colombia, Peter Puyo and James Clinton. Major Parra and Col Lucero, in conjunction with LASC, will present those names to the Embassy of Colombia in Ottawa.

Community leaders on stage during the presentation of names emphasized the unity and collective recognition of the sacrifices made by Latin American soldiers. Their presence highlighted the interconnectedness of the Latin American community and their shared heritage, reinforcing the significance of these tributes.

Key Diplomatic, Community, and Military Leaders Present:

1. Hon, Italo Acha: Consul General of Peru in Toronto
2. Silvia Samines: Vice-Consul of Guatemala in Toronto
3. Col. Fernando Huaman: Esteemed Peruvian Military Attache Air Force
4. Mayor Jose Luis Parra: Esteemed Colombian Military Member
5. Mayor Cesar Chisica: Esteemed Colombian Military Member
6. Cap. Rey Garcia-Salas: CAF and Latin American Soldiers Committee Member
7. Lieutenant Alvaro Orrantia: Esteemed Colombian Military Member
8. Second Lieutenant Lina Perez: Esteemed Colombia Military Member
9. Betzabe (Betsy) Requena: President and Director of Casa Cultural Peruana
10. Members of Casa Cultural Peruana: Cultural performers
11. Members of Marimba Almaya de Oro: Cultural performers
12. Sofía Espaderos: Member of Centre Culturel Jaguar Ix Balam
13. Carlos Alegria: President of Guatemaltecos en Ontario

Their involvement underscored the collaborative efforts and shared values within the Latin American community, enhancing the emotional resonance and historical significance of the event. By standing together on stage, these leaders symbolized the unity and strength of their communities, honoring the legacy of those who served and fostering a sense of collective pride and responsibility. The community leaders wore typical colorful clothing from Guatemala and Peru, showcasing exceptional talent and millenary culture with various patterns in the designs.

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Cultural Performances

The afternoon was filled with vibrant cultural performances, beginning with folkloric dances by Casa Cultural Peruana and Asi es Mi Tierra Peru. Marimba Almaya de Oro captivated the audience with a 30-minute performance, showcasing the rich musical heritage of Guatemala. The Vice-Consul of Guatemala, Hon. Silvia Samines, spoke about the longstanding cooperation between Peru and Guatemala, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange.

The artistic showcase continued with performances by Bernardo Ramirez, “El Sonero de Cuba,” and a lively DJ session by DJ G, encouraging the audience to dance and celebrate. The festival concluded with electrifying performances by St. Lawrence Sikuris, Orquesta C4, and Manny Cardenas, bringing the day to a joyous close.

The Peruvian Multicultural Festival 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Peru and Latin America within the diverse mosaic of Canadian society. The event highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, unity, and mutual respect, reinforcing the strong ties between Canada and Peru.

As the day came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for the vibrant cultural contributions of the Peruvian community in Canada. This festival not only honored the past but also paved the way for a future of continued cultural exchange and mutual respect between these two great nations.