VOICES OF THE WORLD ECHO AT THE MIAMI BOOK FAIR’S INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS VILLAGE AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
~Inauguration of the International Pavilions Thursday, Nov. 8~
MIAMI, November 8, 2007 – Sample the art, music and literature of other countries at the Miami Book Fair’s International Pavilions Village and be swept away on a mini-trip around the world. This year, the journey takes fairgoers to Brazil, Spain and French-speaking countries where language and cultural diversity will be celebrated.
The festivities begin on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 p.m. with native language readings by authors from each of the three featured pavilions at Miami Dade College at N.E. First Avenue and Third Street. Guest authors include Geraldo Carneiro (Portuguese), Luis Leante (Spanish) and Alain Mabanckou (French), among many others.
Readings will be followed by an official inauguration ceremony. Join international guests, including members of the Consular Corps, in sampling a tasty array of global cuisine and live entertainment at the Center Court. The International Pavilions Village will remain open through Nov. 11.
Brazil
For the first time, the fair honors the Portuguese language. Brazil, the world’s fifth largest country, has been shaped by the Portuguese, who provided its language and Catholicism. The country has also been influenced by native Indians, Africans and immigrants from other parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. At the Brazil Pavilion, fairgoers can enjoy literary offerings from the country, as well as the rhythms of Clube do Choro, Paulo Gualano, Brazarte, Rose Max, Ramatis, or make music of their own at percussion and voice workshops, among many other activities.
Spain
Spanish is the official language of 21 countries with nearly 400 million people speaking it all over the world. At the Spain Pavilion, visitors can explore Spanish gastronomy, arts and culture while enjoying live performances at the World Stage. The pavilion will also present films and host literary and painting contests for children. Additionally, the first 1,000 visitors to the pavilion will receive a free copy of the Essential Guide to Reading in Spanish.
Le Francophone
Haiti, France and French-speaking Canada will take up residence in a unique Francophone Pavilion, which pays homage to three diverse cultures united by one language. Francophone culture exists on five continents. In Florida alone, more than one million people – including Haitians, Quebeckers and Europeans – speak French. The Francophone Pavilion welcomes world-renown authors and features original art by Haitian painter Edouard Duval-Carrié. Fairgoers can also experience entertainment by Mawon, a world music band, and Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Roots Music Quartet, KASAK, among others.
World Stage at the International Pavilions (schedule subject to change)
Friday, November 9
10:00 a.m. Wolfson Dancers
11:15 a.m. Parade
12:00 p.m. New World of the Arts Dancers
1:00 p.m. Mas Canosa Middle School Band, courtesy of the Spain Pavilion
2:00 p.m. New World School of the Arts Dancers
Saturday, November 10
10:00 a.m. Belly Dancing by Mimi
11:00 a.m. Brazil Gafieira com Rose Max & Friends, courtesy of the Brazilian Pavilion
12:00 p.m. Brazarte presents Tom Jobim, courtesy of the Brazilian Pavilion
1:00 p.m. Mawon, courtesy of the Francophone Pavilion
2:00 p.m. Violin by Carlos Jaquez
3:00 p.m. MariCarmen Vazquez – Accordionist
4:00 p.m. New World School of the Arts Jazz Combo
Sunday, November 11
10:00 a.m. Centro Cultural Masis – Folkloric Dance
11:00 a.m. MDC Commercial Music Ensemble directed by Ed Calle
1:00 p.m. Djembesnsnjazz – African Drumbeats
2:00 p.m. Escuela de Danzas Españolas de Fina Escayola
3:00 p.m. Paulo Gualano and Escola de Samba, courtesy of the Brazil Pavilion
4:00 p.m. Cleveland Jones – World Music
5:00 p.m. Kasak – Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Roots Music Quartet, courtesy of the Francophone Pavilion
The Miami Book Fair International is made possible through the generous support of the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami Dade County Public Schools; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Miami Downtown Development Authority; and the Friends of the Fair. Corporate sponsors as of this date include: Chrysler Jeep, Target, AARP, American Airlines, Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Publix Super Markets Charities, Starbucks, Miami Parking Authority, Miami-Dade Transit, Southern Vines, Inc., Big Chef, Octavio Taylor Nurseries and The Raleigh Hotel. Media sponsors include: The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, CBS4 and MY33, Univision23 and Telefutura69, WQBA 1140AM, WAQI 710 AM, WAMR FM 107.5, La Kalle 98.3 FM, Comcast, Diario las Américas, 940 WINZ, NewsRadio 610 WIOD, The New York Times, Miami New Times, WLRN Public Radio and Television, WPBT Channel 2, 88.9 FM Serious Jazz, Plum TV, Mother & Daughter Magazine, FUEL Outdoors, Caribbean Today, Coral Gables Gazette, and the Welcome Channel.
For more information on these events contact: Miami Book Fair International at (305) 237-3258 or visit www.miamibookfair.com.
Media-only contacts: Juan Mendieta, MDC director of communications, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu; Beverly C. Rodrigues, MDC director of media relations, 305-237-3949, brodrigu@mdc.edu; Alejandro Rios, MDC media specialist, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu or Lisa Palley, 305-642-3132, lpalley@bellsouth.net.