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The 2018 Festival de la Balsa Manteña took place on October 7th. The festival occurs annually and celebrates the Indigenous heritage of the Manabí coast and cultural diversity in Ecuador. REDI was proud to support the festival. The rationale behind supporting cultural festivals such as the Festival de la Balsa Manteña is to aid in the promotion of tourism. The festival is one of the most prominent events that draws tourists to the community of Salango and that provides a source of income for many local residents. Simply put, the better the festival, the more visitors, the more money for the local economy. REDI funds went directly to hosting outside presenters and to providing meals through the hiring of local residents to purchase food and prepare meals. Here are some of the images from the festival. Despite poor weather, it was well attended.

Balsa Festival.

Each year the community of Salango hosts the Festival de la Balsa Manteña to commemorate the Indigenous heritage of the Ecuadorian coast and to celebrate the ethnic diversity present in Ecuador. Beginning in 1992, the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, the festival takes place each October. The festival is one of the largest cultural events on the Manabí coast. The focus of the festival is the construction and sailing of a balsa raft similar to those sailed by the pre-Columbian inhabitants of coastal Ecuador. Musicians, dancers, and other entertainers from Ecuador and abroad also take part in the festivities. In addition, the festival provides an important economic boost to the host community of Salango. This year, REDI is working closely with local organizers in support of the festival. In part, REDI will be providing meals and financial support for travel for the various performers who will be attending the festival from throughout Ecuador.

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Each month REDI provides food subsidies to individuals in need. Our focus is on elderly individuals who have limited support systems. While our goal is to help recipients meet their monthly food needs, we also strive to let recipients know that are important members of the community and that REDI cares about their well-being. Fernando is a valuable part of the REDI team. He coordinates the purchase and distribution of monthly food subsidies. He also helps to identify recipients. He gives selflessly on behalf of REDI in order to aid those in need.