Encuentro CUltural 2024

January 25 - 27

It's been inspiring to see that the Playas del Coco "Cultural Encounter" has focused on racism, discrimination, and rights, in offering several workshops and presentations to educate around these themes, identify how they affect our daily lives, and inspire action for change.  Thursday and Friday's events have included a puppet presentation for kids: 'Amo Mi Melanina' (I Love My Melanin), youth workshops on racism, oppression, and discrimination, and a workshop for community leaders to evaluate how we experience racism in the community.

Kech and I are honored to be invited back to participate in Saturday's event 'Ensenamos a los Ninos a Sonar'  (Let's Teach the Children to Dream), which will take place in Coco's beachfront park Amor de Temporada 9 - 3pm.  This is a free event with tons of activities designed for children 3 - 10 years old.  Kech will be bringing out a giant canvas and beautiful palette of spray paint to showcase large-scale street art technique, inspiring kids to pursue their artistic talents and value how public art can uplift community.

I will provide the hoard of hula hoops to offer an opportunity for free play and exploration, creative movement, innovative game-making, and joyful challenges to learn and master new skills and build self-confidence.  Hula Hooping is fun way to build strength, develop body-awareness and body-control, and promote mobility in a safe and gentle aerobic activity for all ages.

We loved being a part of this event in December 2019, and we're so happy to see the event grow this year; we hope it will continue to be a Coco tradition.  Many thanks to Ophir Cultura for organizing this event, to the University of Costa Rica's Social Action projects, and support from ADICOCO, Cine Hermosa, and many other local organizations and businesses that make this event a success.  See you in the park.  ~ Teagan​