Great Parade for Peace in Ponce, Puerto Rico
The 21st of September was celebrated in a different manner. The goal of all the AGENTS OF PEACE in Isla del Encanto was to show it is possible to have a day without violence and highlight that people have the power to decide how to shape the future.
The International Day of Peace decreed by the United Nations pleas for a ceasefire and the practice of non-violence. From all the corners of the island, several students, beauty queens, floats and artistic groups, mobilized at the crack of dawn and took off towards Ponce, from where they would all march together, in the same direction.
Most of the floats were designed by the students themselves and they all brought messages of love and peace for mankind
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That’s how the Great Parade for peace started. Not even the heavy rain was able to stop the parade or diminish the joy of each participant. It was the culmination of a full month’s work for thousands of people who spread a message of non violence in this weekend dedicated for peace. During the preparation period for the activities white bows were distributed all over the country as a symbol of the union of the Puerto Ricans.
The renowned athlete Alexander Cedeño led the parade, holding the Peace Torch, a flame which has been burning non stop, like the one which was lit inside the hearts of every individual to build a culture of peace.
The activities started with an opening prayer said by both, the representative of Monseñor Pancorbo from the Catholic Church and Mrs. Raquel Lestier representing the Protestant Church, in a gesture of union for peace.
While the floats strolled around the streets of the city, thousands of people enjoyed the presentations and had the opportunity to receive several kinds of services provided by different institutions around Ponce’s main square. They also had the chance to imprint their hands on a mural of peace.
The mayor of Ponce, Mr. Francisco Zayas Seijo handed the AMISRAEL directors, Dr. Salomon Cunha and Dr. Kelita Machado, along with their representative in Puerto Rico, Dr. Luis Jorge Rodríguez, a document directed to Dr. William Soto, AMISRAEL International Director, in recognition for their work in favor of peace.
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After midday, the parade reached the Plaza de Ponce, where the main stage was located. Various people, among them students, beauty queens, institutions, local marching bands and others, were present, performing their arts, exhibitions, music, dances and specially, the float, designed and built by themselves. Each float was the carrier of a message of peace, addressed to the children, youngster, adults and elders, regardless their race, creed or religion.
The event was very successful and once again Puerto Rico demonstrated its commitment to peace is stronger than any obstacles, for in spite the weather conditions, people gathered around and joined the great parade. AMISRAEL led the first float decorated with the theme “The union of countries for peace.”
Text: AMISRAEL Puerto Rico
Photography: Raquel Tílleria
Edition: Gabriela Lara
English Version: Patrícia Mamede
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The representative of Monseñor Pancorbo from the Catholic Church and Mrs. Raquel Lestier, representative of the Protestant Church initiated the activities with a prayer |
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The athlete Alexandes Cedeño led the parade, holding the peace torch |
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Several villages, institutions, schools, local beauty queens and municipal marching bands, among others, were present at the first great parade for peace |
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AMISRAEL Porto Rico’s float with the motto: “The union of countries for Peace” and their beauty queens |
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Lola and Diego in a presentation at Plaza del Caribe |
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The firefighter Rapero and the Fire Brigade of Ponce |
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Thousands of people attended this great march inpite of the heavy rain and said YES to peace |
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