Members of the Kasibahagua Taíno Cultural Society at the Many Cultures, One Heart” Festival. In photo from left to right are Tati Barahona (7), Krystal Barahona, Chali'naru Dones, and Diego Barahona (14).
Framingham, MA (UCTP Taíno News): On Saturday, June 18 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, a free, multicultural festival celebrating the artistic and ethnic diversity was held in the Centre Common Historic District of Framingham, Massachusetts. A cultural presentation by members of the Kasibahagua Taíno Cultural Society was among the featured programs. The event was entitled “Many Cultures, One Heart” and it was organized a part of a public art project designed to highlight the artistic and ethnic diversity of Framingham through a series of heart sculptures painted by local artists and placed around the Cultural District and the City of Framingham.
"We are here to keep our culture alive one day at a time, with harmony, honor, and respect, " stated group leader Chali'naru Dones, who is member of the Guainía Taíno Tribe and a representative of the United Confederation of Taíno People.
All of the new public art statues were unveiled during the “Many Cultures, One Heart” Festival. This presented a perfect opportunity for the public to see each piece "up close and personal." There were dozens of arts & crafts booths and several free craft projects. In addition to the Kasibahagua Taíno Cultural Society, other presented included CJT Dream Dance, The Brothers Walk Band, MOHI Parivar, Ezekiel's Wheels Klezmer Band, Phoenix Orchestra, Tarciso Alves Band, Los Sugar Kings, and Heavey Quinn Academy of Irish Dance. The artists on this project represent the many communities that call Framingham home, and include Black, Indigenous, Asian, Brazilian, Latino, white, multiracial, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and disabled artists from all walks of life, ranging from teens to seniors.
UCTPTN 06.18.2022
