In Valparaiso, by the coast of Chile, the third Street Organ Fest will be held from November 8 to the 10th. This cultural event it’s a celebration of the street-organ players and Chinchineros (drum guys). The Fest also, commemorates Mr. Manuel Lizana, worldwide known street-organ maker.
Within the street-organ playing community, the heritage in Mexico goes back to the XIX century, Therefore 10 Mexicans players will attend the Festival. The Mexican delegation will share the history of their kind and the work they do nowadays. Also known in Mexico City as «Cilindreros», they will perform with their distinctive costume, the military outfit from Pancho Villas personal bodyguards.
The International Street-organ Fest in Chile outlines the cultural relations between the Mexican and Chilean street-organ players made at the beginning of the XXI century, when Mr. Manuel Lizana walked through the streets of Mexico City for the first time. Since this relationship, both Mexicans and Chileans street-organ players have performed in a variety of countries, such as Germany and Mexico, making strong ties.
This year, the street-organ players from Mexico will speak about the project in Mexico City regarding making the Street-organ players in the city as a Cultural Heritage. This declaration comes with the compromise of preservation and acknowledgment of the safeguarding.
In Plaza Sotomayor, the Mexican delegation will perform with their street-organs and dance their folk music along. Within the music in their repertory is: “Cielito Lindo”, “Guadalajara”, “Son de la Negra” and “Pelea de Gallos”. This street-organ Festival will also have interactive workshops and discussions tables to promote the dialog and debate in the community.
The expenses of the travel are self-paid by the Mexican street-organ grinders, financed by the money they collect in the streets. The cash they collect helps their own subsistence and cultural projects.
This Festival will be a celebration of the mastership in this tradition, but also the opportunity to increase the bond in the community and players dynasties.
The promotion of this learning opportunity and skills sharing is made possible by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of Chile (Centex). This instance makes the invitation to all people to come to the Festival and have joy in this one of a kind event.
Made with info by Press release.