Americans hold grim perceptions of Colombia as a land where the main exports are coffee and drugs, but in truth, it is bountiful with emeralds, exotic fruits and many varieties of fresh flowers.
As a culmination of Colombian Week, as designated by Mayor Richard M. Daley and Gov. Jim Edgar, Chicago`s first international ”This Is Colombia”
festival will be held at Navy Pier on Saturday and Sunday, and organizers hope to demonstrate the rich culture of this distinctive country.
”Most Americans see only the negative side of my country,” said the fair`s chairman and Colombia native Dr. Everildes Yarzagaray. ”We decided that the 500th year of Columbus` encounter with the Americas was the perfect time for Chicago to discover the real Colombia.”
The festival will feature native food, such as the famed coffees and fruits, and artwork, including Pre-Columbian jewelry and artwork created by young Colombians. Traditional Colombian music and dance will be provided by orchestras and dancers direct from Colombia.
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Chicago`s first international Colombia Fair, ”This Is Colombia”:
Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., at East End Rotunda at Navy Pier. General admission is $5; groups of 20 or more, $3 each. Free to children under 12. Tickets available at the door or by calling 708-698-2841.
