2/03/2009

Taino Observe Dia de la Candelaria in Boriken


Hato Rey, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) - February 2nd is half way between winter and summer solstice and it is observed in a pre-hispanic and Catholic fusion celebration known as Dia de la Candelaria.

Melvin Waracatua Anamu Gonzalez, the director of local Taino community group, Esencia Tabonuco marked the occasion with a roaring fire at Barrio Isreal y San Jose for the 3rd annual Taino celebration of Dia de la Candelaria in Hato Rey. Attended by more than 100 neighbors, this event featured community dance presentations by Taino cultural groups Esencia Tabonuco y El Tribu Roca de Amor Taino headed by Xuerix Guaynia Camacho and Familia Itiba. A special song was gifted to the local community by Taino artist Brandon Cutubanama of Grupo Cibuco.

The UCTP Boriken Liaison Office was represented by Eva Tona Lazu, Chamaco Lazu and Roger Guayakan Hernandez complimented by Movijibo alliance members - Huana Naboli, Ghuatibili, and Yumac Baez. The event also commemorated the birthday of UCTP rep. Roger Guyacan with cake and ice cream served as desert for the local Taino delicacies offered by friends and family.

In an unfortunate turn of events, a social dance around the community fire was shockingly interrupted by a local fire department official who proceeded without respect to extinguish the center of this activity. Caught on video by local Univision television news crew covering this momentous celebration, the fire department representative was offered an on-camera orientation on the prehispanic observance of Dia de la Candelaria and the Taino cultural practice of lighting a large fire from which community members offer their tributes of thanks and practice a purification dance for the upcoming season.

The 11pm newscast was well edited and anchor desk commentary followed recognizing a growing resurgence of Taino cultural identity and ceremonial restoration projects throughout the island of Boriken.

UCTPTN 02.03.2009

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