Report by Mr. Ernesto Takayanagui García, the City of Cuernavaca, Mexico
From March 22 to 31, 2024, the City of Cuernavaca in the state of Morelos, Mexico, hosted the Feria de la Flor (Flower Festival) 2024. This event aimed to celebrate diverse cultures and arts, and for the first time, Japan was invited as the guest country, leading to the creation of the “Japan Pavilion.” The purpose of this pavilion was to show Japanese culture focusing on peace.
The Japan Pavilion was held by a collaboration of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (CRIM-UNAM), the Autonomous University of Morelos State, Japanese language schools as like Meguro School and Kame House, and the Minoh City Friendship Association in Cuernavaca. Since the City of Cuernavaca is a member city of Mayors for Peace, the Japan Pavilion featured exhibitions such as the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as well as a photo exhibition by Professor Ernesto Takayanagui from the city’s university, showcasing images from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that 25 members from the Minoh City Friendship Association in Cuernavaca visited in 2023.
Additionally, participants enjoyed Japanese food, bonsai, calligraphy demonstrations, and exhibitions of traditional Japanese clothing (kimono). Visitors to the Japan Pavilion not only enjoyed Japanese culture but also had the opportunity to contemplate peace through posters and photos adorned with origami cranes. There was also a peace signing booth available.
The Feria de la Flor 2024 attracted thousands of visitors, providing a wonderful opportunity for the citizens of Cuernavaca and surrounding areas to enjoy and appreciate Japanese culture and arts in peace!
Photos: courtesy of the City of Cuernavaca