Featured Image:  Last year’s ECUA Reading convening, Reading children with ecuadorian descent prepared to dance

Sunday
 August 20, 2023
11 AM

On Sunday, August 20, A group of Ecuadorian immigrants residing in Reading called “ECUA Reading,” in an effort to build community, highlight their culture, and their contributions to Reading, Pennsylvania, will be hosting their fourth annual convening at Berks County Park, 800 Ruth Street, Reading PA 19608.

“Our intention is to build community, share and unite in our identity and celebrate our contributions as Reading immigrants. We hope that this year we will have the same reception as the previous year, since 400+ people came to the event last year.” said Luis Vera and Rosa Cardenas, main coordinators of the event, and administrators of the ECUA Reading Facebook group. 

Numerous small business owners in Reading have sponsored this event. So many immigrant Ecuadorians contribute greatly to Reading including musicians, artists, religious leaders and other professionals, this includes an award winning real estate agent, an American Airlines pilot, a leader of one of the most influential social justice community organizations in the state, and a motorcyclist that recently went to Ecuador with his son on motorcycle from his Reading home to Ecuador.

The community and family cultural celebration at Berks County Park in Reading will include folkloric dances in Ecuadorian costumes, free Ecuadorian food, and traditional games.

Order and time of activities:

11 AM Welcome and Opening

12 PM  Community Lunch – Ecuadorian Gastronomy 

1:00 PM  Cultural Program , Live Music & Adult and Children Folkloric  Dances

2:30 PM Traditional Games with gifts and breaking enchanted pots

4:40 PM Ecuavoley Tournament

6:30 PM Awards & Closing

This convening will be happening at the backdrop of the presidential election of Ecuador. Ecuador is going through a period of violence and insecurity where the country is dominated by narco politics, recent data is showing that Ecuador is one of the most violent countries in Latin America. Recently a candidate who could have won the presidency was assassinated after a campaign event. Ecuadorian immigrants living in Reading are mourning for what is happening in their country of origin and are hoping that whoever wins the presidential election Sunday helps the country and acts swiftly.

WHAT? Ecuadorian Immigrants Convening in Reading that includes live music,  folkloric dances, Ecuadorian gastronomy & traditional games.

WHEN? Sunday August 20, 2023 at 11AM, (main program starts at 1pm)

WHERE? Berks County Park, 800 Ruth Street, Sinking Spring, PA 19608

WHO? Ecuadorian Community Resident in Reading

Information provided to TVL by:
Patty Torres Vera