On Saturday, January 19 a group of about 20 interested individuals met at Solomon's Porch to discuss how the Festival Atitlan and similar events can continue to survive and flourish. Roberto Luz the founder and long-time organizer of Festival Atitlan called the meeting to enlist help and support for Festival Atitlan as well as other events around the lake. Roberto and a very small group of family and friends have been the main workers/organizers of the Festival for many years. He says that now it is time for it to become more of a community effort and creation. The community needs to take a role to work with and support the event and perhaps to develop other cultural events for Lake Atitlan.
It was determined that a Steering Committee is needed to provide a structure for the future and several people volunteered for that. Others stepped forward at the meeting committing to helping out in any way that they can. But more are needed.
It was determined that the Festival Atitlan will not happen this March, but that a smaller festival may be planned for mid-March in Panajachel as a way to draw attention to Festival Atitlan and other cultural events.
Another meeting is being planned for Saturday, February 2, 1 p.m. at Solomon's Porch. Please attend if you are at all interested in helping with Festival Atitlan. All are welcome!
Photo by Duende Harrison: http://savelakeatitlan.org/FM/
Panajachel Colegio Internacional in Panajachel is holding a fundraiser Mardi Gras Masked Gala! What better way to have a ton of fun and help out the school too! All of the funds raised from this event will be used for scholarships for students. Tickets are Q100 and are available for pre-purchase. Check the poster for details and we will see you there!
Títeres Chúmbala Cachúmbala is presenting the Sexto Festival de Títeres Titiritlán from 18 February through 13 March. Am not sure when they will be in Panajachel as the schedule is not on their poster or bloodspot. But we will keep you posted. A wonderful event for kids and adults alike!
http://titiritlan.blogspot.com
Do you buy Guatemalan products to resell? Or are you just looking to have one thing made for your home or for a gift? The CECAP vocational center in Santa Cruz is the place to go. CECAP now has graduates from their Sewing and Clothing, Beading, Embroidery, and Weaving programs. We are ready to accept quantity orders for traditional tipica as well as custom products.
Or we can help create that one special thing you need for your home. We have an excellent wood shop and master woodworking instructor with the capabilities of making anything from a simple shelf to fine furniture. Our herreria shop is also run by a master craftsman and they can create anything from curtain rods to balcony railings. The CECAP Artesania Program is committed to paying workers a fair-trade wage. To learn more about the CECAP school and the Artesania Program contact Cynthia Davis through the CONTACT FORM.
Looking for gently used magazines to use in art projects at the Santa Cruz CECAP Vocational Center. Prefer ones with lots of photos or graphics; fashion, wildlife, old Revues are great, especially the Jan. photographic issues. Also, does anyone know where I can get a good supply of past newspapers in good condition? Maybe the ones that are not sold at the end of the day. Again for art and gardening projects. Will pick up. Contact Cynthia through the CONTACT FORM.