Veracruz, Mexico, Holds Arts Festival Celebrating Soka Gakkai Day

On November 18, 2008, Veracruz, a major port city in Mexico, hosted an arts festival commemorating "Soka Gakkai Day." Some 600 local residents and invited guests attended the festival.

In November 2006, Veracruz City proclaimed November 18 as "Soka Gakkai Day" on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's 1996 visit to the city. The proclamation also recognized the local SGI members as exemplary citizens for their contributions to the city's prosperity.

SGI-Mexico’s fife-and-drum corps and dance group as well as eight other local choirs and folk dance groups performed in the festival held at the central square of the city hall. Veracruz City Social Development Director Gilberto Zamorano Morfin, attending the event, stated, “Veracruz City will continue to support SGI activities to promote peace, culture and education.”

From November 10-18, the SGI's “Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential” exhibition was displayed at the Veracruz city hall.

[Adapted from an article in the December 4, 2008 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan; photos courtesy of SGI-Mexico]