Chile pays tribute to Palestine at Edmonton Heritage Festival

Chile pays tribute to Palestine at Edmonton Heritage Festival

Chile recalls Chilean poet and songwriter as it pays tribute to Palestine during three-day festival held in Edmonton

Ahram Online, Tuesday 5 Aug 2014

Held between 2 and 4 August, the Edmonton Heritage Festival in Canada brings over 85 cultures to local audiences through pavillons and artistic performances taking place at the Hawrelak park.

When the representative from Chile took the stage, she began by talking about Víctor Jara, Chilean poet, singer, songwriter and political activist, killed by the military regime in 1973. She recalled that his work was aimed at shedding light on injustice and called for peace.

"Today when we celebrate culture and diversity, we learn that we are all different and yet so much alike," stated representative of the Chilean community. She added that all cultures have right to live in peace referencing Jara's iconic song The Right to Live in Peace. The song which was played during the event mentions international events of Jara's era, including the Vietnam War.

"Jara was killed by the military dictatorship in 1973. They killed him but they could not kill his voice and the song continues to bring message of peace and hope. This is our message through music, not to forget those who have died in the Palestinian land," the presenter continued.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/35/107759/Arts--Culture/Stage--Street/Chile-pays-tribute-to-Palestine-at-Edmonton-Herita.aspx


It's good to know that wise Chilean people are not going to whitewash this US-supported triumph of evil over good which took a hideous toll on human lives, and ushered in an era of deep fear, broken hearts and minds, unimaginable suffering.