[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1565-E1566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN COMMEMORATION OF THE BOLIVIAN FOLK THEATER FESTIVAL OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to recognize the Bolivian Folk Theater Festival of 1997. 
This important event is sponsored by both the Bolivian American 
Cultural Union Inc., a nonprofit institution and the Bolivian Embassy. 
The primary goal of this festival is to share the immense and diverse 
culture of the fast growing Bolivian-American community through an 
exhibition of their entertainment, arts, and crafts.
  This year's festival will center on celebrating the Bolivian 
Independence Day. The Bolivian American Cultural Union has announced 
that the event will feature a presentation by the well known dance 
group, Ballet Folklorico de Bolivio, who have won awards in several 
international events. The event will also include the well known folk 
group Fortaleza that has won both international recognition and 
acclaim. Both groups will travel from Bolivia for this event.
  Throughout its history, Bolivia has under-gone turbulent change as 
well as social and cultural triumph. The Spaniards first made their 
inroads into what is now the nation of Bolivia in 1535. They found a 
rich and thriving native population that produced masterpiece textiles, 
feather art, and stone carvings. In addition, the Spaniards discovered 
native Americans who had developed sophisticated agricultural systems. 
Many of these rich indigenous traditions are still practiced today in 
religious ceremonies, festivals, and folklore that are celebrated 
throughout the county.
  The Bolivian American Cultural Union first began to grow as social, 
economic, and political instability caused thousands of Bolivian 
nationals to flee Bolivia in late 1970. As a result of the cold war and 
the struggle against communism, many Bolivian students and professors 
came to the United States, looking to continue their education as well 
as a better array of opportunities. Moreover, as a result of drought 
and poor government planning that negatively impacted the agricultural 
industry, many working families came to America. Many Bolivians settled 
throughout the 50 States and a large number elected to live in the 
Washington metropolitan area. Bolivian immigrants and their families 
continue to contribute to both the cultural and economic aspects of 
their new home.
  The Bolivian American Cultural Union represents an important part of 
every community

[[Page E1566]]

in the United States. I am sure my colleagues are happy to join me in 
recognizing the Bolivian Folk Theater Festival of 1997, and all that it 
symbolizes for those Americans of Bolivian descent.

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