On the occasion of the Peruvian Cajón Day, which is celebrated on August 2, the Ministry of Culture paid tribute to its main promoter, Rafael Santa Cruz, with a ‘cajoneada’ at the Mateo Salado Archaeological Complex in Pueblo Libre.
At the inauguration of the musical event, Minister Leslie Urteaga invited those present to conduct research on the Peruvian cajón as an “element of social cohesion, integrating neighborhoods.”
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She emphasized that the musical activity brought together several associations linked to the promotion of the Peruvian cajón, which is considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation and an instrument of the Americas by the Organization of American States (OAS).
On this special date, established in 2018, the Meritorious Personality of Culture recognition was awarded to Rocío Nicasio Abán, along with a posthumous Culture Honor Medal to Rafael Santa Cruz.
“He may not be with us physically, but every time a cajón sounds, I believe we hear him, we feel him, and we continue to work for the legacy he left us,” commented Leslie Urteaga.
She mentioned that on the main day, Friday the 2nd, the date was celebrated with a ‘women’s cajoneada’ held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture.
“Thank you for joining us in this activity, which reminds us of the importance of the Peruvian cajón in our cultural and musical heritage. We will continue to work and strengthen the ties with our music, instruments, and cultural heritage,” she said.
After that, there were discussions titled “The cajón as a vehicle for integration and social cohesion,” led by Wilfredo Tarazona and Aníbal Martel; and “The Cajón and My Family,” by the Campos family and Rony Campos.
The event concluded with a ‘cajoneada’ by the Jallmay Cultural Association.
LESLIE URTEAGA ON THE GENERAL ARCHIVE OF THE NATION
The Culture Minister stated that this government is willing to “start the work as soon as possible” on a building to house all the documentary heritage of the General Archive of the Nation, which is currently scattered across four locations in Lima.
“Peru has not had a General Archive of the Nation for more than 200 years of Republic that we have. We do not have an appropriate building to maintain the documentary steel,” she noted.
In this regard, she said they will adapt the best conditions to receive all the documentation located in the basement and the first floor of the Palace of Justice since they must comply with the ruling that orders the restitution of that space to the Judiciary.
When asked about the resignation of the head of the National Library of Peru, Boris Espezúa Salmón, she said it was for personal reasons and that they would begin the search for the best candidates to take over that direction.