A delegation from World Junkanoo Festival Foundation (WJFF), has joined the Mexico Negros to celebrate its second anniversary of black people in Cuajinicuilapa in Guerero state of Mexico.
Founded in 1997 by Glyn Jemmott Nelson and Sergio Penalosa Perez, Mexico Negros is a Non – Organization representing the black race in Mexico.
Speaking in an interview, the International Relations Officer of World Junkanoo Festival Foundation, Vincent Boakye, who also led the delegation to Mexico said the celebration of the second anniversary of black people in Mexico was critical and very important because formally they were not recognized in the country.
Our presence at the 2nd anniversary was appropriate, indeed it was good we honored their invitation” adding that “The conscious efforts made by the founders of Mexico Negros Organization to raise awareness of the existence of Africa descendants living in Mexico is commendable.”
According to Mr. Boakye, Ghanaians and black people in Mexico have a lot of things in common, share similar way of life especially their cultural presentation.
At the anniversary, the Mexico Negros did the devil dance (Spanish dance dieogo Or danza de diablo) which is known as masquerade dance performance in Ghana and done by people of Winneba and Takoradi, in the Central and Western regions respectively.
The celebration seeks to promote long lasting cultural and tourism exchange between Ghana and Mexico. It would also bring about positive economic and social impact, establish and reinforce identity of citizens.
Culture and tourism are an instrument which facilitate harmony and understanding among people or citizens. Tourism, Mr. Boakye said provide endless opportunities to learn about the way other people live, their traditions and society.
Present at the event were, the Senator of Guerero, some black organizations like AfroCoasta, led by Pedro Senegual Burnal, Association of Women of OAxace led by Ms. Rose Castro.
The crowd was treated to music by a Ghanaian music legendary, Bob Pinodo Idan. Mr. Boakye thanked the organisers for hosting them and proposed a long-lasting cultural exchange between Ghana and Mexico Negros and other related organizations of Afro decedents.
He invited the Mexico Negros to the World Junkanoo Festival which would take place in Ghana in March 2022.
