[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE NICARAGUAN CULTURAL COMMITTEE ``JOSE DE LA CRUZ 
                                 MENA''

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nicaraguan 
Cultural Committee ``Jose de la Cruz Mena,'' and salute them for the 
wonderful cultural efforts they are producing for the residents of the 
City of Los Angeles.
  Founded in 2010, the Nicaraguan Cultural Committee ``Jose de la Cruz 
Mena'' is a small but dedicated organization committed to raising 
awareness on the traditions and customs of Nicaraguans who reside in 
the City of Los Angeles.
  Since music is fundamental to Nicaraguan culture and spirit, the 
committee opted to be named after Jose de la Cruz Mena, a pioneering 
artist who was the first to introduce classical music to Central 
America. Although he suffered from various illnesses that left him 
blind at the age of 22 and led to a premature death at the age of 33, 
de la Cruz Mena's special talent allowed him to participate in 
composing the Nicaraguan national anthem. The committee is honoring his 
legacy by sharing his story and music with Angelinos.
  To increase appreciation for Nicaraguan music and culture, the 
committee successfully encouraged the City of Los Angeles and the State 
of California to officially recognize May 3rd as ``Dia del 
Nicaraguense'' (Nicaraguan Day). The Nicaraguan Cultural Committee 
celebrated this distinct recognition on May 4 by hosting the first 
Nicaraguan Folklore Festival in Pico Union where many Americans of 
Nicaraguan descent have lived since the 1980s. The festival highlighted 
special Nicaraguan traditions and featured artisan crafts from 
Nicaragua. To foster cultural exchange, the committee plans to host the 
Nicaraguan Folklore Festival annually.
  I wish the Nicaraguan Cultural Committee ``Jose de la Cruz Mena'' 
continued success in its efforts to preserve and highlight Nicaraguan 
traditions!

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