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Jon Sarpong
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Jon Sarpong writes about our city's cultural diversity.

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Latin community celebrates arts and activism with festival

November 1, 2007 04:03 PM
 
 
The seventh annual Salvador Allende Arts Festival for Peace and Latin Arts returns to Harbourfront Centre in a display of diversity and culture from Nov. 9 to 11. The event commemorates the life and accomplishments of Salvador Allende, former Chilean president and social reformer. Allende was born in Valparaiso, Chile, in 1903. As a medical student he became involved in politics and was arrested several times while at university.

In 1933, Allende helped to found the Chilean Socialist Party, a Marxist organization that was opposed to the Soviet Union-influenced Communist Party. After serving in the Chilean Chamber of Deputies, and as a senator and the minister of health, Allende was elected as Chile's president in 1970, becoming the first Marxist leader to gain power in a free democratic election.

Allende's immediate reforms, which included the redistribution of wealth and land, as well as the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba, China and the German Democratic Republic, were seen as unfavourable actions by his political rivals. Ultimately, Allende's adversaries overthrew his government in a violent coup that took place on Sept. 11, 1973. Allende died during the fighting in the presidential palace in Santiago; Gen. Augusto Pinochet replaced Allende as president.

The festival, founded in 2003, commemorated the 30th anniversary of the military coup in Chile that ended Allende's life and began his legacy. The festival has now coalesced into a gathering place for Latin artists of many disciplines to present Canadian audiences with the rich diversity of Latin American arts and culture. Here is a brief look at a few festival highlights:

La Pena Latinoamericana. Friday, Nov. 9, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Brigantine Room.

Don't miss this night of popular Latin American music. Santerias World Music brings an innovative mix of Latin American, Spanish and Arab influences into a contemporary repertoire, while Marcelo Puente and Friends revive Chile's Canto Popular and Diego Marulanda delights with Columbian party sounds.

Los Patita de Perro. Saturday, Nov. 10, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Brigantine Room

Famous in Latin America, this children's band from Puebla, Mexico, has the ability to move both children and adults. The Patas use their music to educate children about social responsibility, self-respect, personal hygiene, preserving Mexican traditions and the importance of protecting the environment.

The Solidaridad Museum's Community Forum, Saturday, Nov. 10, 5 p.m., Miss Lou's Room

Various Chilean Toronto community organizations reflect on their work in relation to the legacy of Salvador Allende and talk about their projects to commemorate his 100th birthday on July 26, 2008.

The festival includes many family oriented events on Nov. 10 and 11 including two children's book launches, six art workshops and a performance of Little Big Frog by Rob Faust of Toronto's FaustWork Mask Theatre. Adult activities include the Toronto premiere of the one woman play HerEvolution by New York City actor/writer Julia Ahumada Grob, as well as three provocative documentaries and two ticketed night time music performances. Visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com for details on performers, artists, events and prices.

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Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.