Ecuador represented by Jacchigua National Folklore Ballet in Germany 2006

(Quito, May 2006).- Culture and sport are current priorities on the sustainable development agenda of the Andean Development Corporation (CAF). For the exceptional occasion of the Football World Cup, CAF is sponsoring the presence of Ecuador in Germany through the Jacchigua National Folklore Ballet. The Corporation has an outstanding record in the sports area, where it uses football for children and young people to strengthen civic values, for example, the project in Ecuador with various schools and foundations and Futbol y Mentalidad Ganadora.

Germany plans to welcome over five million visitors from all over the world with a string of parties, cultural events and special exhibitions which will accompany World Cup 2006. With the presence of its Jacchigua National Folklore Ballet, Ecuador will be part of this great fiesta.

The Ecuadorian Embassy in Germany has organized 20 performances for Jacchigua in the 12 host cities during the participation of the Ecuadorian team in World Cup 2006. The Jacchigua National Folklore Ballet will send a cultural message from Ecuador and promote the country’s diversity. The ballet will perform traditional dances of Saraguro, Chimborazo Deer Hunt, Poem to Life, Sanjuanadas del Cotopaxi, Fiesta de Corpus Cristi de Tungurahua, among others.

Jacchigua is a cultural group that preserves the cultural heritage of the Ecuadorian people. The over 20 Ecuadorian dancers, musicians and technicians will show off the splendors of Ecuadorian customs and traditions. The ballet has received various awards and has performed at important venues including Miss Universe, Travel Market, OAS, among others.

Culture as a creative expression of peoples is part of the mission of CAF, which reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and integration, promoting initiatives to disseminate the cultural values of the region.