Source: UCR

In order to comply with Resolution 64/460 of the United Nations, which calls for a ten-year period of research, study and celebration of the international heritage of African people around the world starting in 2013, the University of Costa Rica has organized a series of events throughout August in the Caribbean region.

This year also marks the 15^th anniversary of the Day of the Afro-Costa Rican culture. Over the last few years, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) has been commemorating this date with a series of cultural activities at the Caribbean Campus in the city of Limon. The 2013 celebrations will take place over the entire month of August, and they will include workshops, exhibitions and cultural events.

Some participants of this event spend the entire year getting ready for a single presentation. Such is the case of Professor Haydee Jimenez Fernandez, who is a cultural promoter and dance instructor at the UCR Caribbean Campus:

“We prepare over the whole year because we want to offer a glimpse of the work we do here at the Caribbean Campus for the community and the student body on a permanent basis.”

Although the central canton of Limon has the greatest concentration of Afro-Costa Ricans, UCR has also been involved in promoting cultural activities in other areas of the province. In Siquirres, for example, a Choir Festival was enjoyed by the community in July.

Some of the upcoming events include:

• August 13: Forum on Afro-Costa Rican women and their political roles, at COOPEANDE 1.
• August 16: Forum on Public Law Number 8938, which declares Afro-Costa Rican day at the UCR Campus.
• August 17: Marcus Garvey’s birthday – across Limon.
• August 24: The Little Black Beauty 2013 pageant at the Black Star Line.
• August 29: Conference on English teaching at the American Corner.
• August 28-31: Entertainment, parades, music, family activities, and delicious Afro-Costa Rican food at kiosks set around the Black Star Line.

For more information, please read the UCR announcement, or -better yet- visit Limon and the Caribbean Campus in August.