The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR, cultural wing of the Ministry of External Affairs) is teaming up with the Embassies of Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador in India to bring you the exciting 4th Edition of the Indo-Latin America Cultural Festival.
This celebration of culture and art is on a mission to spotlight the incredible cultural heritage of Latin America. The festival’s grand opening will be presided over by Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, the President of ICCR, and it’s all happening at the Kamani Auditorium later this week.
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the festival is set to kick off with a mesmerizing performance by the Ballet Folkloric de Chile, also known as “Bafochi,” all the way from Chile. Get ready to be transported to the heart of Latin America through their captivating dance and music.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! On Friday, September 29, 2023, the festival continues with a musical duo that will steal your hearts – Jorge Saade & Juan Carlos, representing Ecuador. Their soulful melodies are sure to leave you enchanted. And if you’re a fan of infectious rhythms, you won’t want to miss the Abakorao Latin Band from Colombia, who will further elevate this musical journey.
As part of the Indo-Latin America Festival’s commitment to strengthening cultural and educational bonds, a colloquium is in the works for the first week of October 2023. This event will take place at the HeadQuarters of ICCR, Azad Bhawan Road, New Delhi. The President of ICCR, Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, the Director General of ICCR, Kumar Tuhin, along with ambassadors, scholars, and artists from both India and Latin America, are expected to come together for fruitful discussions.
The Indo-Latin America Cultural Festival isn’t just a festival; it’s a symbol of the enduring cultural connection between India and Latin America. “Through this celebration, we aim to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions and artistic expressions that both regions offer,” said senior ICCR officials.
Abakorao Band:
This is led by the talented Santiago Ramírez from Colombia, and brings together members from various corners of the world. Their performances have graced numerous fairs, festivals, and national celebrations in Europe and Latin America. What sets them apart is their unique blend of Caribbean influences with pop and rock, incorporating tropical styles like salsa, merengue, bachata, caribe son, reggaeton, and cumbia.
Folkloric Ballet Chile (Bafochi)
Bafochi, the Chilean Folkloric Ballet, was founded 35 years ago. They specialize in performances deeply rooted in Chilean folklore that appeal universally. For their Indian audience, they are preparing a special show that draws from their best repertoire, inspired by both Chilean heritage and Indian culture. Moreover, they will be conducting public workshops to share the beauty of traditional Chilean dance and music, promoting cultural exchange.
Jorge Saade-Scaff
He is Ecuador’s leading violinist, holding degrees from the University of Miami and The Catholic University of America. His international career has taken him to renowned venues worldwide, where he has collaborated with orchestras. Beyond his musical talents, he serves as the Honorary Consul of Belgium in Guayaquil, is a professor at the Arts University of Ecuador, and acts as a cultural advisor to the Pan American Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC.
In essence, the 4th Indo-Latin American Cultural Festival promises to be a remarkable journey through the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of Latin America. It is more than an event; it is an opportunity to build lasting friendships and collaborations between India and the countries of Latin America.