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HomeNewsArchivesVI-PR Cultural Exchange Offers Good Food, Good Times

VI-PR Cultural Exchange Offers Good Food, Good Times

Naylanie Tejaba, 5, left, and Briana James, 6, blow bubbles at the VI-PR Cultural Exchange.Friends and families gathered Sunday at the Agriculture Fairgrounds to have fun and celebrate the ties and friendships between Puerto Ricans and Virgin Islanders at the annual Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship cultural exchange.

Hundreds of folks were seated during the late afternoon at picnic tables under tents, listening to Bully and the Musical Kafoonaz. They chatted, ate, drank and got set for the evening, when the celebrating really began.

The free cultural exchange started at noon and was scheduled to last until midnight.

“Hispanics really enjoy life and like to get together, eat and have fun,” said Domitila Vargas, a spokeswoman for the Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Committee. She added the last three years it rained the day of the cultural exchange, yet the crowds were so big you could barely walk around the mini village.

She said the committee expected a large turnout in the evening for the main musical attraction, Latin Grammy nominated Plena Libre, from Puerto Rico. Also entertaining young and old were Xpress Band, Romansa and Reggeton Yuco.

Plenty of Crucian and Puerto Rican food was available for purchase.

Juan Ayala cuts roast pork, his family's specialty.
Juan Ayala cuts roast pork, his family’s specialty.

Juan Ayala and his family served their specialties, lechon – a roast pork – and bacalitos – salt fish cakes. Juanita Ayala said they always prepare enough food to serve 500 people.

St. Croix Heritage Dancers sold kallaloo, crab and rice and benye.

Eliza Torres, attending for the first time, said she was very impressed with the event.

“It’s been very nice getting together with my family to have fun,” she said.

Bouncers and a ring toss arcade game were set up for children.

Keosha Mercado, Miss VI/PR 2014 Queen, was mixing and mingling with the crowd. Mercado, a senior at St. Croix Educational Complex, said she embraces both cultures because she is of mixed race and it’s good to understand both cultures.

“It is a real honor to be chosen to represent such a prestigious organization,” Mercado said.

Manuel Torres said he and his wife Grisel try to attend every year.

“The unity we have, no matter what race, is special,” Manuel Torres said. “And this cultural event reminds us of our Puerto Rican roots.”

He added he hopes the celebrations continue for future generations.

Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship became official in 1964 when Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky signed an act designating Columbus Day into Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friendship Day.

“It’s not Columbus Day tomorrow here,” Vargas said with a wide smile. “By law it’s Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friendship Day.”

Festivities close Friday with a second Sunset Jazz concert in Frederiksted, featuring Siete Son and Trio Camaleón.

Major sponsors for the events that began mid-September included the V.I. Department of Tourism, Cruzan Rum, La Reine Chicken Shack, Precise Builders, V.I. Lottery, and Diageo.

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