2023-12-21 21:25:35
With this initiative, the Ministry of Culture stimulates and recognizes the creative capacity of those who demonstrate continuous effort or notable significance in the arts and in the enrichment of the cultural heritage of El Salvador.
Through the Ministry of Culture, the Government of El Salvador awarded, this December 21, the National Culture Award, calls for 2022 and 2023.
The prize of the XXXIV edition, in the branch of Artisanal Cultural Expressions of Indigenous and Afro-descendant Communities of El Salvador, was awarded to the artisan Arcadio Hernández Muchin, and the XXXV edition, dedicated to Traditional Dances and Dances of El Salvador, was awarded to dance group of the Cacaopera feathered ones.
“Based on its analysis, the Expreses Artesanales jury determined that Arcadio Hernández Muchin, who resides in Nahuizalco and has 50 years of experience in the production of products with natural fibers, deserves the 2022 National Culture Award in recognition of his Production responds to traditional techniques that have been inherited from generation to generation; because its products are marketed inside and outside our borders; and to his verifiable career, during which he has transmitted his knowledge to other artisans,” said the Minister of Culture, Mariemm Pleitez.
Hernández Muchin learned to make crafts with natural fibers in 1973; Later, in 1977, he started his Natural Fibers workshop. To date, his business has grown and he makes everything from a basket to furniture sets with natural fibers, which are exhibited and sold in sales rooms in the municipality of Nahuizalco and in stores specialized in crafts on a national and international scale.
“This recognition strengthens me to continue practicing my craft and provide my knowledge to new generations. Likewise, this award that I receive today encourages and motivates the Salvadoran artisan sector that we are important to contribute to the cultural and economic development of our country,” said Arcadio Hernández.
Minister Pleitez shared that the jury that evaluated the Traditional Dances and Dances candidates decided to award the 2023 National Culture Award to the Cacaopera feathered performers for being performers of a unique dance at the national level, which shows originality, showiness, respect and roots to tradition, appropriation and connection to the indigenous community, in addition to its preservation strengthening national identity, authenticity and respect for ancestral values.
The dance of the feathered ones of Cacaopera, or dance of the morning sun, has been passed down from generation to generation, which has allowed the preservation of the tradition.
“As Kakawira communities we are honored, and we want to thank you for having taken into account the traditional dances of our country, since these are part of the customs, traditions and legacy that our community is responsible for maintaining,” said Jaime. Ortiz, representing the group of the Cacaopera feathered ones.
Ortiz added: “It is important for the country to continue preserving the ancestral legacy that our ancestors have left us from generation to generation, maintaining the cultural heritage that represents us as indigenous communities, which is why this award is the door to motivate different communities, both indigenous and Afro-descendant, to continue keeping their traditions and customs alive.”
The candidacies for the award were presented to the Ministry of Culture by entities with legal status and were evaluated by a qualifying jury specialized in each branch convened, composed of five members, who evaluated the proposals based on what was established in the bases and in accordance with the dictated by the Law of the National Culture Award and its regulations.
Each winner received $5000.00 (less 15% income tax), a gold medal and an honorary diploma.
#Ministry #Culture #awarded #National #Culture #Award #editions