The Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, participated in the celebrations for the ‘Day of the Peruvian Cajón’, where a posthumous Honor Medal was awarded to Rafael Santa Cruz, who passed away on a day like today in 2014. Additionally, she presented a distinction of Meritorious Personality in Culture to Rocío Graciela Nicasio Abán.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the importance of encouraging and developing actions aimed at promoting the encounter, exchange, and dissemination of artistic expressions at the national level.
“Thank you all for participating in this activity, which is also part of the ‘Open Museums’ program of #Mincul, allowing free admission to museums and archaeological sites administered by it on the first Sunday of each month,” Urteaga stated.
“Today, continuing the celebrations for the ‘Day of the Peruvian Cajón’, we are recognizing Rocío Nicasio and posthumously Rafael Santa Cruz for their work and career in keeping this important instrument alive,” she added.
“Thanks to the associations that are here today and help to spread the tradition of our cajón, which we should not celebrate just one day but keep in mind all year round. We must value the work of those who strive to keep it alive, raising Peru’s name high across the world,” the minister pointed out.
“Let us continue working with the cajoneadas that renew our spirit, but also in research because the cajón is an element of social cohesion, helping to transform societies, neighborhoods, and people, a legacy from our ancestors, like Rafael Santa Cruz,” she concluded.
The posthumous recognition of Rafael Santa Cruz Castillo with the Culture Honor Medal is due to his dedication to the dissemination and teaching of the cajón, inspiring us to continue valuing and preserving our cultural heritage.