Latin American Liberation, Love, and Friendship Day

Last Sunday’s Latin American Liberation, Love, and Friendship Day was a great success.

Following on the heels of a lovely service that featured a Spanish call and response for the intercessory prayer composed by Liz Stockwell (who spent many years in Panama) and music by Latin American composers thoughtfully chosen by Rupert Lang, a Colombian-themed fiesta unfolded in the Parish Hall.

Organized by parishioner Juan Carlos Riaño (originally from Ibague City in Colombia) with the help of the intrepid Dean’s Council for Diversity and Multiculturalism, the whole experience reminded me of my last trip to Colombia in 1994.

Savoury Colombian delicacies such as empanadas and pandebono were served along with Brazilian coxinhas — with a scrumptious torta de tres leches for desert.

Chilean Canadian parishioner Claude Duke treated guests to some Latin American tunes and I was honoured to become a temporary Colombian by singing the classic La Coligiela!

The music was followed by a colourful performance of traditional Colombian folkloric and cumbia dance. Members of the Canadian Colombian Cultural Association also attended — many of them visiting the Cathedral for the first time.

Juan Carlos prepared a sumptuous slideshow with enticing images of nature, culture and architecture from his homeland. I was lucky to get a brief cumbia lesson from Juan Carlos and as we danced, he told me about Colombia. His love for his birthplace infused the whole event with a wonderful sense of pride and joy.

While the focus was on Colombia, there were also some pan-latin-american elements at play — and not just in terms of cuisine. I happily sang Gracias a la Vida — the beautiful song written by Chilean singer-songwriter Violeta Parra and famously sung by Argentian singer Mercedes Sosa.

The lyrics:
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto

Translation:
Thanks to life and all it has given me

And especially the rousing final verse that ends with:

Y el canto de ustedes que es el mismo canto
Y el canto de todos que es mi propio canto

Translation:
And your song that is the same song
And the song of everyone that is my own song

encapsulate the special feeling of friendship and connection that enveloped the whole event.

Following on the heels of Alisdair’s farewell party where Claude and I sang some Latin tunes, let’s keep the joyous spirit of Latin American culture alive in the cathedral. ¡Viva!

Gracias a la vida y gracias a Juan Carlos y todos que han participado.