Embassy Events 2012
Diplomats Dance at Gran Poder Festival in La Paz
By C. Gallardo
Charge d'Affaires John Creamer and his wife Liza Creamer participating in the Gran Poder with Fraternidad Señorial Illimani (State Department)
Group photo with the Diplomatic Corps at Gran Poder folk festival (State Department)
The Ambassadors of Germany, Denmark, Panama, Colombia, and the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, along with several other members of the American Embassy, danced on Saturday, June 2 at Gran Poder, the largest folk festival in La Paz. This traditional festival, also known as "the greatest party of the Andes" gathers over 30,000 dancers who parade all day on the main streets of La Paz to the sound of 4,000 musicians.
The 20 diplomats, who danced for the first time in the history of the festival held each year in honor of Jesús del Gran Poder, were invited by the institution Fraternidad Señorial Illimani to dance as members of its Wiñay section.
Charge d'Affaires John Creamer said to local media that it was "an honor and a joy to participate in an event of this magnitude, one that makes such a significant cultural impact. For this reason, participating in the Gran Poder with Fraternidad Señorial Illimani, the 2011 winners, is a privilege. Wiñay section members are very friendly and have worked very patiently to achieve harmony within the group."