Outreach

Public Affairs Section Donated Books to the Latacunga Municipal Library 

September 4, 2007

Mr. Arbesú delivers donation to the  Municipal Library of Latacunga

Latacunga Mayor, Rafael Maya hosted Embassy Cultural and Press Official, Arnaldo Arbesú, during a brief visit to the capital of the Cotopaxi province.  They toured the historical "Casa de los Marqueses", colonial building dating back to the city's founders and currently the site of the city museum and library.  On behalf the the United States government, the embassy official presented city authorities with a book donation of over 100 titles including U.S. historical biographies, modern and classic American novels as well as various reference books.

Latacunga Mayor extended an invitation to Embassy officials to attend the traditional "Mama Negra" festivities on November 3rd.  During the celebration, the city pays homage to its patron Virgin de las Mercedes, in gratitude for her protection from the fury of the of world's largest active volcano, Cotopaxi.  The parade is an opportunity to conmemorate the rich cultural and religious ties of indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Ecuadorian communities.