The head of the Veracruz Tourism and Culture Secretariat, Xóchitl Molina, reported that 7.4 million pesos were invested to promote the state’s image at international forums such as FITUR Madrid, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, and the World Travel Market in London.
In her appearance before local legislators, she mentioned that they supported the travel of artists, artisans, and traditional groups for up to seven days to showcase Veracruz’s culture in Europe and the United States.
In the case of FITUR Madrid, held in January, 1,423,620 pesos were invested. The Veracruz delegation consisted of 14 participants, including artisans, the shamans of Catemaco, representatives from Café La Parroquia—who covered their own expenses—as well as the Voladores and Guaguas de Papantla from the Totonac region.
The state government covered lodging and meals and arranged flights to facilitate the cultural representation that traveled to Spain.
“We brought Veracruz natives and held events in iconic locations in Madrid. It went viral and allowed us to attract tourism and encourage more visitors to Veracruz,” she explained.
For the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the investment totaled 4,362,515.45 pesos, due to the longer stay and the participation of more groups. The state’s representation included tap dancers, the group Tlen Huicani, and visits to schools to promote cultural exchange.
The secretary announced that they are working on a sister city agreement with New Orleans, as well as a proposal to revive a Jazz Festival in Xalapa, which years ago was part of the state’s cultural calendar.
At the World Travel Market in London, participation required 1,688,602 pesos for a seven-day stay. The funds were allocated to flights, lodging, meals, local transportation, and presentations within the fairgrounds, as well as cultural activities at iconic locations in the British capital.
“These are very hectic trips, with a lot of work involved, but they are worthwhile to promote our culture and attract visitors to Veracruz,” the official stated.
Guanajuato provided support for the emergency response in the north.
The official reported that, following the recent natural disaster that affected various regions of the state, a series of humanitarian aid efforts were activated in coordination with municipal, state, and federal authorities, as well as with the state of Guanajuato.
The disaster occurred while the Veracruz delegation was participating in the Cervantino International Festival. From there, instructions were given to open 17 cultural venues throughout the state as collection centers to receive food destined for the affected areas.
She expressed her gratitude for the support of the state of Guanajuato, which enabled the collection of supplies at the Casa Veracruz Pavilion, located at the festival grounds.
“There, we gathered a large quantity of food that we were able to send to Álamo, in coordination with the mayor of Guanajuato, Samantha Smith,” she stated. The aid was transported in three 3.5-ton trucks, which reached the affected families.
As part of the relief strategy, Takilhsukut Park, the Cumbre Tajín venue in Papantla, was also prepared to receive 1,400 national workers responsible for the census in affected communities. These teams were provided with breakfast and dinner, with the support of local women and traditional smokers.
In addition, personnel from various departments of the Secretariat carried out clean-up efforts in affected homes in Álamo and Poza Rica, and maintain an active brigade that continues to provide support in a community in the area.
Source: lasillarota
