PRESS RELEASE
Customs, dance and food in the Intercultural Participation Encounter in Javea
Javea. Wednesday, 2 November 2011.
Javea Town Hall’s Department of Social Services and the local Red Cross Association are finalizing preparations for the Fourth Annual Intercultural Participation Encounter in Javea, to be held next Thursday evening, 10 November in the Placeta del Convent. This event, which will mobilize many volunteers and collaborators, will allow the various cultures that co-exist in our municipality to interact with one another, because only "familiarity and forging ties ensure respect for social and cultural diversity", declared Councillor Tere Bisquert. This is something that is "very important for a municipality where 53% of the residents are of foreign origin representing 80 countries," added Bisquert.
The Municipal Department of Multiculturalism explained that the event would be held outdoors for the first time, seeking greater participation and interaction between people. The fair will be arranged in theme-inspired tents, called "corners", among them being the Arab culture corner, the Latin American corner, the European corner and the local Javea corner. Anyone coming to the Placeta del Convent between 5.00 and 8.30 pm will be able to discover the traditions and customs of each country, or try free samples of the typical sweets and dishes of the participating cultures. Red Cross Youth will set up a play area with activities for children, as well as another corner that will feature the traditional dances from groups such as local Grup de Danses Portitxol or Colombian Macondo. Other associations and groups that will showcase their cuisine or explain the peculiarities of their culture are Xàbia Histórica, Amanecer de Xàbia pensioners association, the Fishermen's Association, the Association of Barques Tradicionals or the University of the 3rd Age (U3A).
In addition to these recreational activities that aim to achieve global respect, the encounter will announce the winners of the intercultural short story and photography contest launched last month. The contest winners will receive a 150-euro gift card for purchases at Xàbia Historica affiliated retailers, or a gift basket. Councillor Tere Bisquert and Javea Red Cross President, José Luis Domenech, will present the prize-winners.
In this regard, Domenech stated, "the Red Cross as a humanitarian organization, remains committed to projects and activities that promote integration and harmony in our town. And we believe that the best way to do this is to meet and learn from other cultures because it enriches our own culture. "