Press Release 016
Washington, D.C., October 28, 2021.
The events and activities of the "Month of Oaxaca in the United States" start in Washington, D.C.
- Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán and Governor of Oaxaca Alejandro Murat Hinojosa inaugurated the events and activities in Washington, D.C. of the “Month of Oaxaca in the United States”, with a cultural exhibition, traditional dances and festivities at the Mexican Cultural Institute.
- Oaxaca is the first state to participate in an economic and cultural promotion initiative by the Embassy of Mexico in the United States that seeks to combine cultural activities with economic, tourist and academic promotion events to encourage investment, employment and economic development.
The Embassy of Mexico in the United States and the Government of Oaxaca announce that on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán and Governor Alejandro Murat Hinojosa officially inaugurated the activities that will be carried out in Washington, DC, from October 29 to November 20, 2021, as part of the “Month of Oaxaca in the United States”.
The iconic Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI) is the headquarters of an extensive program with which the Embassy of Mexico in the United States seeks to combine culture with economic, touristic and academic profile-raising events, as well as to promote the vast cultural wealth of the states of Mexico and its varied opportunities for investment, tourism and development. In that sense, Oaxaca is the first to be part of this initiative, to be joined in the near future by other Mexican states that have already expressed their interest in participating.
During the inaugural events at the MCI, the highlights were the presentation of the traditional Calenda; the inauguration by Ambassador Moctezuma and Governor Murat of the exhibition of the renowned contemporary artist Amador Montes and the talented Oaxacan creators Bayrol Jiménez and Sabino Guisu; the presentation of a Day of Dead altar inspired by the traditional elements of Oaxaca, and an emotional presentation of the Guelaguetza.
As part of the economical, touristic and investment component of the program, Ambassador Moctezuma and Governor Murat led meetings with key actors. The objective was to seek collaboration through the development of strategies, investment and to encourage tourism.
The meeting held with Isabella Guzman, Administrator of the US Agency for Small Businesses was especially relevant for the promotion of the micro, small and medium industries of Oaxaca. Of special interest was also a meeting with Michael Nebeker, president of Mobile Surgery International on social work and investment in the health sector; as well as a meeting with the Atlantic Council to present the advantages offered by the productive sectors of Oaxaca, such as the mezcal industry, tourism, logistics, and connectivity.
In order to promote development in the southern region of Mexico, they met with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank to discuss infrastructure projects and economic advantages. On the other hand, there were outstanding meetings with business members and executives of the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-MEX Chamber of Commerce to talk about projects related to value chains and the strengthening of regional infrastructure. Similarly, Ambassador Moctezuma and Governor Murat met with representatives of the tourism sector who expressed interest in expanding investments in the state.
“It fills us with pride and emotion that Oaxaca has come to the United States to conquer this country through its culture, traditions and the warmth of its people, colors and flavors. We are certain that with this type of program, such as the one we promote from the Embassy, we will be able to better position Mexico in the minds and hearts of Americans, in addition to opening opportunities to strengthen investment, employment, tourism and academic exchange. That will contribute to the good understanding between our nations”, expressed Ambassador Moctezuma at the end of the press conference in which the program was announced.
“We are very grateful to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and to Ambassador Moctezuma for promoting a working agenda that seeks the development of the south and southeast of Mexico. We Oaxacans are ready to promote the growth of our country with the help of great infrastructure projects such as the Interoceanic Corridor and the highways to the coast and the Isthmus, which will consolidate Oaxaca as a tourist destination of international relevance and as the center most important logistics in the continent,” said Governor Murat.
One of the most meaningful events that make up the “Month of Oaxaca”, was the presentation of the “Family Guelaguetza” program, which allowed the reunification of 17 migrants with their parents or grandparents after not having seen each other for at least 20 years. This program will be expanded widely.
Ambassador Moctezuma and Governor Murat also revealed a bust of Matías Romero and inaugurated a room at the Embassy that bears the same name, to honor the contributions of this famous Oaxacan figure to the history of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States.
In order to provide a community space for the migrant population to train and stimulate creativity, the "Matías Romero Creative Lab" was inaugurated at the MCI, which is constituted as a space for social and community participation in this city.
Ambassador Moctezuma and Governor Murat also honored the renowned historic leader of the Americas Benito Juárez, by placing a wreath on the statue of the former Mexican president located in Washington, D.C.
With the "Month of Oaxaca" the Embassy of Mexico in the United States reaffirms its commitment to promote the cultural richness of all the states and regions of our country in the United States, while strengthening the promotion of tourism and economic development for the well-being of our populations.
The complete catalog of the cultural events of the "Month of Oaxaca in the United States" can be consulted on the MCI website: instituteofmexicodc.org
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