The hallways of the José Cortés de Madariaga Educational Unit in the town of Altagracia left behind the usual silence of the holiday period to transform into a busy stage of dance, traditional songs and sporting dynamism.
Through the "Open Schools August" initiative, children and teenagers from the community actively participated in the "Cultural Wednesday" sessions, a space designed for recreation and teaching about island roots.
The event featured renowned galeronista José Ágreda, popularly known as El Vengador del Serafín (The Avenger of the Serafín). He shared his knowledge of Nueva Esparta's music with the children and recounted passages from local history, aiming to strengthen a sense of belonging among the younger generations.
“We are placing great emphasis on recognizing our cultures, our cultural practitioners, the men and women of our state who have dedicated their lives to preserving our cultural heritage. Now we have the immense responsibility of passing it on to our children so that our regional identity will endure,” Ágreda emphasized during the event.
Experiences and regional identity
Each workshop and dance performance served as a pedagogical touch, reinforcing a sense of belonging to the island. The impact of the day was reflected in the reactions of its young participants.
Héctor Santiago Romero: "I thought this was excellent; I learned a little more about music and saw new art forms." José Molina: "I learned a lot today during the vacation program, with the seashells."
In addition to the folklore training, attendees enjoyed recreational group activities and sports events led by members of the Comprehensive Recreation Network (Reir), consolidating a comprehensive offer of healthy recreation during the summer season.
