Although for us, living in this area of the country, summer does not start until Wednesday, June 21, at 12:24 A.M., we can almost say that summer has arrived! The cold temperatures, the snow, although very little this year, and the ice that would not let us out are already behind us; however, we are now experiencing a period of rain, interrupted only by short hours of sun.
It’s time to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities. They could be working in the yard or garden, playing our favorite sport, or just cooking outside with family and friends. It is also time to enjoy the festivals that this season brings us every year.
The Hispanic Week contests are over, after selecting a number of talented young Latinas who will represent our community for the rest of the year, especially during the festivities that are about to begin. Next Friday, June 9, is the VIP Lunch marking the beginning of the festival season where the newly selected Queens and Princesses of 2017 will be presented to the public alongside the Grand Marshalls.
On the same day, Friday the 9th, the cultural nights begin with the Ecuadorians in front, followed by Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, followed by the three-day festival at Campagnone Common.
Unfortunately, “The country of Guatemala will not participate in the Hispanic Week Festival of this year,” Olivia P. Rosa, President of the Guatemalan Cultural Group, informed us via e-mail. “This is due to a scheduling conflict with the organizers of that festival. However, the Guatemalan Cultural Group remains committed to the mission of promoting our art and culture in the Merrimack Valley and will work with the organizers of Hispanic Week to continue to be part of this tradition in the coming years”, concluded Rosa.
Let’s hope so. Salvadoran and Haitian nights have been lost and we must not allow others to follow that route. Lately, the citizenship has suffered horribly for the senseless crimes that have occurred. We all need a respite and without forgetting the grievances suffered, breathe a little peace, together in harmony.
That’s what Hispanic Week is all about!
