Desamparados Celebrates Art

THIS weekend, the community of Jericó in Desamparados, asouthern suburb of San José, will be celebrating its second culturalfestival, entitled “Let’s Celebrate Art” (Celebremos el Arte).Musical soloists, theatrical plays, folkloric dancing, poetryreading and clown shows will be among the many acts on offer, aswell as activities such as origami, painting and jewelry-making forchildren.“There has been a lot of interest in this festival, and the communityis participating fully,” said Johnny García, member of thecultural management group CHAPAN. His organization helpscommunities set up such events, enabling them to eventually organizethe festivals themselves.The slogan for this year’s festival is: “Through the doors of art,our communities improve.” García says arts festivals should beheld in all communities, as the joy and enthusiasm at such eventsreally brings out community spirit.The success of the first festival in December 2003 meant peoplewere keen to organize another one. The artists are mainly fromSan José and other areas of Costa Rica, and the entire event is free.In the community hall opposite the park, a showing of film shortswill take place with the collaboration of students from the StateUniversity at a Distance (UNED).Taking place in Jericó’s park and community hall, the festivalstarts at 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday,finishing with a dance from students of the Merecumbé DanceAcademy.