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local Monday 17 october 2022
Government recognized folkloric

and cultural groups participating in

multicultural encounters

ORANJESTAD – Recently, Prime Minister Evelyn first and second edition of Multicultural Encoun-
Wever-Croes was present at a ceremony at ter Aruba which took place on the 21st of may
the Cas di Cultura, during which all folkloric in 2021 and 2022. The multicultural encounter
and cultural groups that participated in the two is related to the celebration of the World Day
multicultural encounters in the past years were of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Develop-
recognized. The encounters emphasize the im- ment declared by UNESCO.
portance of dialogue and celebration of multi- The trajectory behind this initiative goes back to
cultural diversity. 2005. From its beginnings until now, the project
continued growing and developing on a na-
Aside from this, for this occasion a moment was tional cultural platform where participation of
dedicated to commemorate Dia de la Raza different groups, organizations and individuals
(Race Day). can be facilitated and encouraged. The plat-
Among those present for this occasion were form has the goal of inspiring and promoting
representatives from UNESCO, Consular Body, cultural exchange through various artistic ex-
director of the Department of Culture of Aruba pressions like theatre, poetry, music, folkloring
drs. Siegfried Dumfries, staff and personnel from dance and visual art. In 2021, in the middle of
this department, folklore and culture groups the pandemic, for the first time the multicultural
from each participating country. encounter was combined with the celebra-
Wever-Croes represented the minister of Cul- tion of the World Day of Cultural Diversity for
ture, Xiomara Maduro since she was abroad Dialogue and Development. Symbolically, this
and could not be present. But in her name, shows that despite all challenges, together we
Wever-Croes thanked and honored all par- are strong.
ticipants and recognized the contribution and Premier Wever-Croes shared the words of Mr.
support that each has given to the cultural di- Hubert (Lio) Booi, one of the co-authors of our
mension of our country. This recognition comes national anthem: “Make the Aruban aware
from the Minister of Culture together with the of his culture and teach him to know the cul-
Department of Culture of Aruba. With this ges- ture of another.” Through participation, inclu-
ture, thanks is given to their dedication and sion and respectful dialogue we can reach
praise to their good work made to realize the understanding.q