The Afrodescendencias Festival will take place on Saturday, August 31st at the Plaza de Santo Domingo in the Historic Centre of Mexico City from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This event is a celebration of the cultural richness and resilience of Afro-descendant communities in Mexico City.
In collaboration with various civil society organizations and Afro-descendant collectives, the festival will feature artistic performances, an Afro-historical walking tour, discussions, participatory activities, and informational stands from institutions and civil society.
The festival aims to provide an educational space within the framework of the closure of the International Decade for People of African Descent (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2024). It seeks to promote reflection and recognition of the historical, cultural, and social contributions of Afro-descendant people.
The festival will include the presentation of a fanzine titled “Futuros de Cimarronaje, lucha histórica de la afrodescendencia” (Cimarronaje futures, African Descent historic fight), performances of Afro-Latin songs and stories for children, a panel discussion on Afro and anti-racist resistances in Mexico City: Experiences from organizations, and a photographic exhibition on Afro-descendants.
The International Day for People of African Descent was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/75/170) on December 16 2020. The International Decade for People of African Descent was also proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the contributions and preserve the cultural heritage of these populations.
This project aims to combat biases, prejudices, and discriminatory, xenophobic, and racist behaviours against Afro-descendant populations in Mexico City. It seeks to raise awareness and recognize the historical process of racism and discrimination they have experienced.
Source: UNESCO
