Celebrating 200th anniversary of Ecuador Independence

     The Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla & Cultural Center, the only Spanish-language branch library in the state of New Jersey dedicated to Spanish works and culture, has, in the last several years, seen a sharp rise in library usage, notably from South and Central America, and particularly, from the Republic of Ecuador. Therefore, it was natural to plan a celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of that South American country, which was held on Friday, August 14, 2009.

     “It was there, on August 10, 1809 (the national holiday), that the first call for independence from Spain was made in Latin America ("Primer Grito de la Independencia"), under the leadership of the city's criollos like Carlos Montúfar, Eugenio Espejo and Bishop Cuero y Caicedo. Quito's nickname, "Luz de América" ("Light of America"), comes from the idea that this first attempt produced the inspiration for the rest of Spanish America. Quito is also known as "La Cara de Dios" ("The Face of God") for its beauty….On October 9, 1820, Guayaquil became the first city in Ecuador to gain its independence from Spain. On May 24, 1822, the rest of Ecuador gained its independence….” (Wikipedia, Ecuador, accessed from the Internet, September 25, 2009).

     Given this very special occasion, First Street was blocked off for a full cultural festival, which helped showcase the Jersey City library system’s Biblioteca Criolla – identifying the importance of its existence and all the resources it possesses. A large crowd gathered to enjoy the native food, music and dance, including local city officials, news and media agents, representatives from community agencies, and of course, patrons from “La Criolla” and many from the Latino community.

     The Ecuadorian Cultural Festival came together due to the collective efforts of Biblioteca Criolla’s staff and officers of the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of New Jersey. The festival presented performances in dance, singers, soloists, and children’s performances. All the performers and groups wore typical costumes native to Ecuador, depicting colors and styles from different regions of the country.

      Many distinguished guests were honored by the conveners of this cultural festival (Biblioteca Criolla and the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of New Jersey) for their civic commitment, hard work, and activism throughout the community, and also, for their unyielding support of our Spanish branch.

These persons and groups received Certificates of Recognition:

Mr. Eliu Rivera, Hudson County Freeholder, District 4, & Executive Director of P.A.C.O.
Mr. Justo De Jesus, former Mayor’s Aide to Anthony Cucci, & former Branch Head, Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla & Cultural Center
Officer Lorenzo Tosado, Community Relations Unit, Jersey City Police Department
Sra. Elsa Santos, Member, Ecudorian Civic Committee of New Jersey, & Patron, Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla & Cultural Center
Sra. Yesenia Sanay, Treasurer, Parent-Teacher Association, Jersey City Board of Education (P.S. # 37), & Patron, Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla & Cultural Center

In-House Performers: (Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla & Cultural Center)
Christina Villagomez (Singer/Soloist)
Grupo “Ruta del Sol” (Children’s folk dance group)
DJ Victor Sanay (Musical DJ and engineer)

Outside Performers:
Srta. Lisa Coco (Soloist)
“La Gatita” de la Technocumbia (Soloist)
Luis Valencia (Singer)
Cuello Blanco (Folk group)
YoYo Jacome (Singer)

By evening’s end, it was clear that Ecuador’s Bicentennial celebration was a huge success!

Check out the photos and brief samplings of some of the singers and dancers for yourself…