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INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL
CITIES ASSOCIATION
By Odessa Pegus, General Deputy-U.S.A.
The year 2000 marked my introduction to Foundation of European Carnival
Cities (FECC). I was invited to attend the 20th FECC Convention in
Santa Cruz de
Tenerife, one of the Canary islands owned by Spain. This annual
meeting was
attended by 229 participants representing 29 countries. Following a
week of
phenomenal activities my decision was made to join.
THE BEGINNING
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| FECC
President Henry van der Kroon receives a proclamation from the
Mayor of San Francisco California via USA General Deputy Odessa
Pegus |
The FECC is an international carnival Association founded in 1980 at a
reunion of friendly countries in Patras, Greece. Previous to this
Reunion Mr. Henk
van der Kroon, president of the Amsterdam Carnival, presided over the
City of
Amsterdam's 700 years Celebration and began contacts with the first
member
countries. During the fifth Reunion in 1985, held in Kos-Patmos,
Greece, rules
were set up and an official membership was established. The first
countries
who became members were: The Netherlands, Belgium, luxembourg, Great
Britain and
Malta. A non-profit organization bearing the name Foundation of
European
Carnival Cities was registered in the Court of Petange, Luxembourg. In
May
2004, during the annual FECC Conference held in Pernik, Bulgaria, a
majority vote
resulted in a name change from "Foundation" to "Federation" of European
Carnival Cities.
GOALS OF FECC
The main objectives of FECC are to unite world carnival cities in the
exchange of ideas and opinions related to Carnival. It collects and
preserves
knowledge about carnival customs and traditions throughout the globe.
It promotes
exhibitions and advertising without losing sight of proper national
identities.
FECC also stimulates youth participation in national carnival
activities and
encourages cultural exchange programs for youths among member
countries.
WHY JOIN?
Carnival is not only a cultural phenomena, it's also a global industry.
FECC
collaborates with carnival cities in the continents of Europe, North
America,
South America and Africa. Presently, outreach activities include Asia.
CONVENTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS
FECC organizes 2 events annually. During springtime (April, May or
June) the
International FECC Convention is held. A less formal event called
"Gala Dies
Natalis" (annual birthday celebration) takes place between the dates of
September 25th and October 15th. This is an exclusive gathering for
members that
is a celebration rather than a meeting. These events are always hosted
by
different member countries.
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click pic to enlarge and
see slide show |
At a typical FECC Convention there's an opportunity to meet
representatives
of world carnivals and the chance to satisfy your curiosity about the
host
country. Each country puts its best foot forward by showing off its
most
prominent features. You will reside in luxurious hotels, eat delicious
food and be
escorted to some of the most fascinating places.
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Representing
the Americas at the St. Petersburg Russia Carnival City
Conference in 2001 were Sue Collins, Chris Collins (FECC webmaster
& Carnaval.com correspondent), Wendy Collins ( USA-San Francisco
), Rex Brudette
(USA-Branson Missouri ), Odessa Pegus (USA-San Francisco-General
Deputy
), Marcia Stamper ( Aruba) and Marcelo Anthony (Bonaire) |
The program includes a Presidential meeting (Presidium), a General
Assembly,
several workshops and guided tours. During the workshops participants
share
their country's Carnival experience and interact with local authorities
and
organizers from the host city. Translators are provided to assure that
language
is not a problem.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
During 5 years of membership in this unique organization I have gained
incredible knowledge, established ongoing friendships in many parts of
the world and
satisfied my desire to see the world. No other organization that I
know of
could provide such an opportunity. The interesting and exotic cultures
of the
various countries have greatly enriched my life. Every host I've
visited has
welcomed me, a stranger, into their world and made me feel at home.
FECC proudly boasts over 500 members and organizations representing 100
cities in 52 countries that support its work and its growing member
network.
Carnaval San Francisco is a member proudly representing America and
participating
in FECC's activities and growth.
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Willie Brown presents a proclamation honoring FECC. Mayor
Brown also helped to fund the
San Francisco Museum of the African Diaspora which will have
a permanent exhibit devoted to Carnival.
Visitors will learn how Africans everywhere celebrate life
cycles through gatherings that place special emphasis on
color, seasons, movement, and clothing. Carnival has become
part of the social fabric from Trinidad and Rio to New
Orleans.
You can reach Ms. Odessa Pegus at
odessa@carnivalcities.com |
For more information visit
www.carnivalcities.com
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FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN CARNIVAL CITIES (FECC)
