The Tall Ships Races 2016: Cadiz the City of Solidarity
Cadiz – the third port of The Tall Ships Races 2016 – is
living up to its reputation of being a meeting place of cultures and
languages as the port has warmly welcomed the fleet and opened its doors
to visitors for the next four days (Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 July).
OPENING CEREMONY
With
visitors already exploring the festival site, a grand opening ceremony
took place at midday today (Thursday 28 July). With a throng of local
and national media in attendance; the popular city mayor, Jose Maria
Gonzalez Santos; Sail Training International Race Chairman, Raul
Mimbacas and Head of Cadiz Theatre, Eduardo Bablí©, gave the event the
perfect start – accompanied by cello playing, poetry, all the ships
sounding their horns – and the parade of a giant inflatable whale
through the site.
Sail Training International Race Chairman, Raul Mimbacas said:
äóìMost
trainees who participate in The Tall Ships Races say that the
experience has changed their lives. And since 1956 The Tall Ships Races
has not only given this opportunity to young people from around the
world, it has also spread the message of peace.äó
Jose
Maria Gonzalez Santos (also known as Kichi), Mayor of Cadiz spoke about
the importance of The Tall Ships Races 2016 coming to Cadiz.
äóìCadiz
has always been a city of solidarity between different cultures and
over the next few days we will be a welcoming city of hospitality for
the many different countries we have welcomed here today. Cadiz is
Phonoecian, Roman and Muslim. Live Cadiz and come aboard our city.äó
WEEKEND CREW ACTIVITIES
To
ensure each and every trainee and visitor has the time of their lives,
the city have put together a diverse range of events and activities.
Alongside the Crew Parade, Prize Giving Ceremony and Crew Party, there
are a number of exciting activities.
Tug of War
The
highly competitive spirit of the crews will be put to full test with a
Tug of War knock out cup competition, following a practise/training
session to get their muscles flexed and ready for battle.
Live Bands
Each
day of the festival will feature live bands. Thursday will see
saxophonist and singer Antonio Linzana; Friday soloist and local
favourite Lamari of Chambo and Saturday mass ensemble Marlango.
Zumbathon
Friday’
fun continues with a mass participation ‘Zumba’ session will be sure to
provide a spectacle and a chance for crews to show off their dancing
skills.
Mass Latin Dance
Saturday is going to get
tango-tastic. The group dance theme continues with another mass lesson,
this time focusing on Latin dance. Attendees will be sure to indulge
their dancing feet in the cool heat of the early evening.
As Major of Cadiz, Jose Maria Gonzalez, said,
äóìIn
Cadiz nobody feels foreign. In Cadiz everyone has their home. Make the
most of your stay here – stroll, discover, investigate, talk to the
people and don’t worry about losing yourself in the streets, they all
lead to the Atlantic.äó
