CULTURE AND COMMUNITY IN COVID TIMES 18
BY: VICTOR M. RAMIREZ
Manitoba welcomed 2021 by extending the COVID-19 state of emergency until January 22, 2021 keeping in place the restrictions put in place on November 12, 2020 when the provincial government initially declared the red code state o emergency. Even though the new vaccine brings much hope and a sense of security, authorities around the world are still advising caution and the arrival of a “new normal” is casting a long shadow over large public gatherings and public events with the possibility that the same restrictions imposed in 2020 may extend over most of 2021 cancelling multicultural events and large gatherings due to the long process to get all residents vaccinated and the situation under control. This represents for local communities a new challenge to meet their commitment to share and promote their culture. Community organizations and social clubs usually take the task of promoting their national culture at a larger scale. They are the ones in charge of setting up pavilions, exhibitions and cultural displays in festivals and organize special events to celebrate holidays and dates that are meaningful for the community. As major festivals and public celebrations were cancelled, most organizations turned to social media and virtual events to keep up with their cultural goals. However, with a community already tired of social distancing, work at home, home schooling duties, remote learning and bombarded with digital information, it is an increasing challenge keeping audiences engaged and interested in their virtual events and information. Volunteers have always been the foundation of all ethnic associations and social clubs. They are the main force that allows these organizations to meet their cultural goals and their participation is not different in these times of social distancing and virtual events although it takes a different role. We, as volunteers and members of the community, should be able to support our community social clubs and organizations to reach their cultural goals participating actively from our homes. There is a good possibility that many of us are already taking some of the following actions: Keep in touch with your community through social media with our community. Share and forward your association or social club’s announcements about special dates and events in social media. Share posters, videos, movies, photos that promote national holidays, history notes, tourism information, arts, and crafts from your home country on social media. Celebrate national holiday and traditions. Prepare traditional food, play music, dress up. Literature and storytelling. Share folk tales and stories with friends and family. i.e. Do your children know the stories of Narciso Mendoza, La Llorona, El Chapulin Colorado, Mafalda, Matita Perera (Saci Pererê)? Show your colors. Have your national colors or flag around the house. Wear regional fashion, jewelry when appropriate. Use national art and crafts accents in your house, bumper stickers and rearview mirror hangers for your car. All these actions can start a conversation or awake curiosity about your country and culture which is a way to celebrate culture. More likely, you might be taking one or more of these actions. Use your imagination, be creative and show with pride your cultural heritage.
C O M U N I D A D L AT I N A E N W I N N I P E G | E D I C I Ó N 0 4
Video Source: Youtube, Facebook
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