COMMISSION

Calendar of Events
On September 16, 1810 Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a man known as the
Father of Mexico’s Independence, initiated the fight for freedom as he made a cry,
or grito, which sparked the beginning of Mexico’s battle for independence from Spain.
The anniversary of this major event beginning in 1825, is celebrated as
Mexican Independence Day.

Nearly two centuries later, led by the City of San Antonio’s Diez y Seis de
Septiembre Commission, and in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico
in San Antonio, our city continues to celebrate that historic day.

The Commission was established by the San Antonio city council on June 16, 1994.
Through its vision and leadership, various cultural events, children and senior citizen
programs, and educational endeavors take place throughout September and October.
Each event is created to promote the historical significance of Mexico’s day of
independence. Join us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.
2019 DIEZ Y SEIS COMMISSION

City Councilman Roberto C. Treviño

HONORARY CHAIRMAN

Mari Sandoval-Ayala
CHAIRWOMAN

Robert Cuellar
Alberto Duran
Jeanette Flores
Lourdes Galvan
Katy Garza
Belinda Menchaca
Alexia Bautista Aguirre
Anita Reyes
Connie Rodriguez
Robert Romo
Lupe Torres
Tony Vasquez
Gabriel Quintero Velasquez

Debbie Racca-Sittre
DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT
OF ARTS & CULTURE

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SEPTEMBER 4
CITIZEN CLASS
6-7:30 p.m. | Pruitt Library at Roosevelt | 5110 Walzem Road | 210.650.1122
6-7 p.m. | Great Northwest Library | 9050 Wellwood | 210.207.9210 | mysapl.org

Every Wednesday. Classes are in English. The purpose is to prepare students for the
naturalization process and test, and to teach about the rights and responsibilities of
U.S. citizenship. FREE

SEPTEMBER 5
CITIZENSHIP INFO SESSION
6-7 p.m. | Memorial Library | 322 Culebra Rd. | 210.207.9140 | mysapl.org

Information session on the benefits, requirements, and process for applying for citizenship. FREE

SEPTEMBER 6
CELEBRANDO TRADICIONES — 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF RÍO BRAVO
8-9:30 p.m. | Guadalupe Theater | 1301 Guadalupe Street
210. 271.3151 | guadalupeculturalarts.org | Tickets $10-25

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original
Río Bravo production featuring the Guadalupe Dance Company as it returns to the
stage of the Guadalupe Theater. Río Bravo is based on the colorful and dynamic
interweaving of the music, dance and culture of the South Texas/Mexico border region
from pre-Columbian times to popular dance in modern-day Texas. Rafael Zamarripa,
one of Mexico’s most distinguished folklórico directors, created the choreography as well
as the costume, scenery and lighting designs for Río Bravo. TICKETED EVENT

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SEPTEMBER 7
MUJERARTES ARBOLES DE VIDA EXHIBIT + SALE
2ND ANNIVERSARY OF ADOBE CEB STUDIO OPENING
9 a.m.-3 p.m. | MujerArtes Studio | 816 S. Colorado Street | esperanzacenter.org | 210.228.0201
Join the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s women’s clay cooperative as they celebrate
the 2nd Anniversary of their adobe/compressed earth block studio opening with an
exhibit and sale of arboles de vida. Arboles de vida, or Trees of Life, are a type of clay
sculpture originating in central Mexico. The women have created Tree of Life sculptures
that depict stories of their own life experiences. FREE

SEPTEMBER 11
CITIZENSHIP INFORMATION SESSION
6-7:15 p.m. | Forest Hills Branch Library | 5245 Ingram Road | 210.207.9230 | americangateways.org
Become a U.S. Citizen! American Gateways presents a citizenship information session
that will introduce you to the process of becoming a citizen. Learn what documentation
is needed for filling out the application form. FREE

SEPTEMBER 12
ART THERAPY: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
6-7 p.m. | Cortez Branch Library | 2803 Hunter Blvd. | 210.207.9130 | mysapl.org
Every month our Art Therapy program teachers you to make beautiful crafts out of simple
supplies! This month, make a God’s Eye to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Supplies
provided, light refreshments served. FREE

SEPTEMBER 13 & 14
BRAVO! MI CULTURA DIEZ Y SEIS PERFORMANCE
8-9 p.m. | Arneson River Theater in La Villita Historic Village | 418 Villita Street
210.207.3132 | sanantonio.gov/ParksandRec/News-Events/Events.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Presented by San Antonio Parks and Recreation
Department presents BRAVO! MI CULTURA DIEZ Y SEIS! Come enjoy an evening of
cultural dance selections, highlighting local talent and young dancers from the SA Parks
and Recreation Department’s Dance Programs. Dance numbers include Spanish Flamenco
and Mexican Folklórico. Inclement weather can lead to cancellation. FREE
For the second time, San Antonio will celebrate Mexican Independence as
El Grito San Antonio 2019, featuring Fiestas Patrias and El Grito civic ceremony.

Organized in collaboration between the Consulate General of Mexico, the Mexican

Cultural Institute, the San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission, LULAC
Council 648, the San Antonio-Mexico Friendship Council (SAMFCO) and La Familia
Cortez, this family-friendly two-day event will include tons of exciting activities, traditional
Mexican food, artisan vendors, music and cultural entertainment at Market Square. The
event will take place from 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday,
September 15, 2019 at Market Square and is free and open to the public.

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SEPTEMBER 14 & 15
FIESTAS PATRIAS
10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Market Square | 101 S. Santa Rosa Avenue | elgritosanantonio.org
On social media@ConsulmexSA @mexcultureSA @elgritosa

A weekend of celebration with music on multiple stages featuring Tejano legends, Mariachi
groups and other traditional music. Food vendors with various antojitos as well as cultural
artisan vendors. FREE

SEPTEMBER 14
EL RINCÓN DEL ALEBRIJE AT MARKET SQUARE
1-4 p.m. | Market Square | 514 Commerce Street | elgritosanantonio.org
On social media@ConsulmexSA @mexcultureSA @elgritosa

Join the Mexican Cultural Institute and the Mexican Consulate in a workshop for children
that will include popular games such as lotería as well as traditional Mexican handcrafted
toys like trompo, yoyo and balero. Do not miss this opportunity to bring kids closer to
Mexican culture and traditions. FREE

EL GRITO CULTURAL PROGRAM AND CEREMONY

6:30-10 p.m. | Market Square | 101 S. Santa Rosa Avenue | elgritosanantonio.org
On social media@ConsulmexSA @mexcultureSA @elgritosa

Please join us on the streets outside of Market Square as we celebrate the “El Grito”
ceremony, a battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence, first uttered by Miguel Hidalgo
y Costilla in 1810. Enjoy a vast cultural programming and entertainment featuring the
Mariachi Azul from San Antonio, Ballet Folklórico Cotzal from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila,
and the orchestra “Hermanos Patiño” from San Luis Potosí. “El Grito” civic ceremony will
start at 8:30 pm at the main Santa Rosa stage and be led by a representative from the
Mexican Government. civic ceremony. FREE

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SEPTEMBER 14
AVENIDA GUADALUPE ASSOCIATION 38TH ANNUAL PARADE AND FESTIVAL
9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. | Plaza Guadalupe | 1327 Guadalupe Street
210.223.3151 or 210.823.6382 | avenida.org

In observation of the 209th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence Day, the Avenida

Guadalupe Association (AGA) welcomes the public to celebrate AGA’s 37th Annual
Dieciseis de Septiembre Parade and Festival. Sponsored by HEB and the Avenida
Guadalupe Neighborhood Association, the day begins at 10:00AM with a two-mile parade
that marches right through the heart of the Avenida Guadalupe neighborhood. At 4 p.m.,
Plaza Guadalupe then becomes a musical celebration beginning with Mariachi Azteca de
American accompanied by folkloric dancers, and featuring 2018 Grammy Award winners
Roger Velasquez and the Latin Legends, David Farias, Joe Posada, and Los Flamencos
de San Antonio. Resident DJs spin house music at band breaks. Kids are welcome in the
“kids-only” playground. Food and beverages are sold. FREE

SPANISH AND COFFEE/INGLES Y CAFÉ

3-4 p.m. | Pruitt Library at Roosevelt | 5110 Walzem Road | 210.650.1122 | mysapl.org.

Join us for conversation and coffee. Practice speaking in Spanish or English while enjoying
coffee and pan dulce. Any level is welcome, beginner to advanced. Únete a nosotros para
conversación y café. Prácticar hablar en español o inglés mientras disfrutas café y pan dulce.
Todos niveles son bienvenidos, principiante a avanzado. FREE

NOCHE AZUL DE ESPERANZA—

MONTHLY CONCERT WITH AZUL BARRIENTOS
8-10p.m. | Esperanza Peace and Justice Center | 922 San Pedro Avenue
esperanzacenter.org | 210.228.0201 | Admission is $7 más o menos at the door

Noche Azul de Esperanza is our ongoing series of intimate cafe style performances with
acclaimed singer/songwriter Azul Barrientos. Featuring a new theme and musical lineup
each month curated by Azul, Noche Azul showcases traditional Mexican songs while
highlighting the cultural influences and interconnections between Latin America, Spain
and Mexico. TICKETED EVENT
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SEPTEMBER 15
MARIACHI LAB AT PEARL
4-8 p.m. | Pearl | 312 Pearl Parkway | atpearl.com
With special mariachi performances during the Pearl Farmers Market

On September 15, Pearl will host its third annual Mariachi Lab, a day of music featuring
an array of new and returning mariachi talent. Start the day at the Pearl Farmers Market
with special performances by the Guadalupe Mariachi Academy and the legendary Mariachi
Campanas de America. Later, the youth showcase will include local groups of gifted
young musicians, while the main showcase in the Park will feature a lineup of top-
notch professional mariachi groups. End the evening with this year’s headliner and
San Antonio-native Stephanie Urbina Jones.FREE

EL RINCÓN DEL ALEBRIJE AT MARIACHI LAB

4-6 p.m. | Pearl | 312 Pearl Parkway | atpearl.com

Join the Mexican Cultural Institute and the Mexican Consulate in a workshop for children
that will include popular games such as lotería as well as traditional Mexican handcrafted
toys like trompo, yoyo and balero. Do not miss this opportunity to bring kids closer to
Mexican culture and traditions. FREE

DIEZ Y SEIS DE SEPTIEMBRE CHARREADA (EXHIBITION)

Gates open at 2 p.m. | Exhibition begins at 4 p.m.
San Antonio Charro Association | 6126 Padre Drive | $15 adults / $5 children | sacharros.org

Explore the distinctive culture which upholds customs, traditions and family as a way of
life. This Asociación de Charros San Antonio family event features food, drinks, three
hours of rodeo time, and live Mariachi music. TICKETED EVENT

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SEPTEMBER 15–NOVEMBER 15
THE GEBHARDT COMPANY EXHIBIT |
THE NAME THAT MADE POWDERED CHILI FAMOUS
Forest Hills Branch Library | 5245 Ingram Rd. | 210.207.9230 | mysapl.org

Forest Hills Library and the UTSA Libraries Special Collections present an exhibit that
trances the popularization of chili powder and Mexican convenience foods created by
San Antonio based Gebhardt Company. H-E-B, one of the few grocery chains that still
carry Gebhardt products, will present a special food demo using Gebhardt products on
Wednesday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. Everyone, especially the San Antonians who
remember this iconic Mexican food brand, is invited to view the exhibit and enjoy the
H-E-B food demo. FREE

SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
BRAVO! LATINO! MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
8-9:30 p.m. | Arneson River Theater in La Villita Historic Village | 418 Villita Street
210.207.3132 | sanantonio.gov/ParksandRec/News-Events/Events

In celebration of Fiestas Patrias, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department
presents BRAVO! LATINO!, an evening of music selections presenting local teen talent
from the award winning program Take Note Band and guest artists. This performance will
include songs and compositions of Latin Jazz and Rock with influences from Spanish and
African indigenous sources. Inclement weather can lead to cancellation. FREE

SEPTEMBER 23
MINI PIÑATA MAKING
5:30-7:30 p.m. | Johnston Library | 6307 Sun Valley | 210.207.9240 | mysapl.org

Design and decorate mini piñatas for your celebrations. FREE

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SEPTEMBER 24
BORDER RADIO
6:30-8p.m. | Briscoe Western Art Museum | 210 W. Market Street
210.207.9200 | mysapl.org/Events-News/Events-Calendar

“Cowboy” Gene Fowler and “Brother” Bill Crawford will be “broadcasting” from the Briscoe
Western Art Museum, bringing their well-known book, Border Radio—Quacks, Yodelers,
Pitchmen, Psychics and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves, to life.
Utilizing a multimedia extravaganza, learn about these “border blasters,” megawatt stations
strung along our 2,000-mile frontier with Mexico. Beginning in the 1930’s, broadcast
industry folks began relocating to this stretch of land to get around U.S. radio regulations.
At their highpoint, these high-powered American radio stations reached virtually every
country in our hemisphere. The dynamic-duo will also present a short trailer from their
upcoming documentary film, Outlaw X. FREE

SEPTEMBER 26
NOCHE DE AMISTAD GALA 2019
6 p.m. | La Villita | 401 Villita Street

The San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council (SAMFCO) will host a Gala featuring Mexico
City. Guests will enjoy a fantastic menu with dishes from the largest city in North America
and the evening will include a fashion show with various up-and-coming designers from
Mexico City. During this year’s Noche de Amistad the City of San Antonio will make the
official announcement of a major 50-year retrospective exhibit of renowned Mexican
sculptor Sebastián. Likewise, SAMFCO will honor Mr. Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President
of Public Affairs at IBC Bank, with the Amistad Award. TICKETED EVENT

Event is ticketed and dress code is rebozos and guayaberas.

To purchase tickets and for more information visit samfco.org.

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SEPTEMBER 28
DIEZ Y SEIS DE SEPTIEMBRE COMMISSION MARIACHI FESTIVAL
3-10 p.m. | Arneson River Theater in La Villita Historic Village | 418 La Villita Street

The annual Mariachi Festival has been hosted by the Diez y Seis Commission for over 15
years. The festival features middle and high school mariachi groups from San Antonio.
Groups are awarded a stipend to support their respective programs and to encourage
cultural education through music and the arts. Food and Arts & Crafts booths will be
available for patrons’ enjoyment.

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is the Platinum Sponsor of the 2019 Festival,
providing generous support for a larger footprint and enhanced programming.

The Diez y Seis de Septiembre Mariachi Festival is produced the Diez y Seis Commission.
The program will feature performances by middle school mariachi groups, high school
mariachi groups. Preshow of musical performances to begin at 1:30 p.m. FREE

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OCTOBER 4
CELEBRANDO TRADICIONES—ALMA DE MUJER FLAMENCO DANCE
8-9:30 p.m. | Guadalupe Theater | 1301 Guadalupe Street
210.271.3151 | guadalupeculturalarts.org | Tickets are $10-25

Alma de Mujer features the Guadalupe Dance Company presenting the beauty and strength
of the female soul expressed through the powerful music and dance of Flamenco. Sharing her
heart-rending voice will be San Antonio’s voice of Flamenco Chayito Champion, who has
worked closely with the Guadalupe dancers for over a decade. Accompanying her will be
Flamenco guitarist Steve Arispe. The production will include a variety of Flamenco expressions
that include both new and traditional music and movement. TICKETED EVENT

OCTOBER 5
“PURO FLAMENCO” LA NUEVA GENERACION
8-10 p.m. | Jo Long Theatre at the Carver | 226 N. Hackberry
210.207.7211 | Tickets range from $15-55
universe.com/events/puro-flamenco-la-nueva-generacion-tickets-san-antonio-05N6TX.

WeFlamenco Fest celebrates 10 years. This mini festival includes a major performance at
the Carver Community Cultural Center’s, Jo Long Theatre, by the San Antonio Parks
and Recreation Dance Program. This program celebrates 85 years, giving them the
distinction of being the longest running municipal dance program in the country. This
performance will highlight flamenco dancers of THE NEW GENERATION and showcase
what this program has achieved under the direction and tutelage of the many professional
artists and teachers over the years. Included in this year’s show will be guest flamenco artist
Jose Moreno. https://www.josemorenoflamenco.com/. This flamenco performance will
be one of the top “must attend” as San Antonio celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.
TICKETED EVENT

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OCTOBER 12
JOHNSTON’S TAMALADA
2-4:30 p.m. | Johnston Library | 6307 Sun Valley | 210.207.9240 | mysapl.org

A demonstration on how to cook tamales. Ms. Blanca Rivera of the Esperanza Center will
go through each step to make tamales. Her program includes a Q&A session on the
procedures, e.g. how to resolve issues that may come up during the cooking process.
All food products are pre-cooked, and all supplies will be provided. Tamales will be
available for patrons to eat. The program is for adults, but teens are welcomed. FREE

FIESTA ALEGRIA 2.0

COMMUNITY HOUSE—ALL THINGS DANCE IN PLAZA GUADALUPE
6:30-11:30 p.m. | Plaza Guadalupe | 1327 Guadalupe Street
210.223.3151 or 210.823.6382 | avenida.org

Organized by the Avenida Guadalupe Association (AGA), Fiesta Alegria is AGA’s closing
party for the 51st Anniversary (1968-2019) of National Hispanic Heritage Month in
San Antonio, celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose
ancestors are from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Featuring Beyond the Canvas (BTC) art exhibits and music from resident DJ’s, Art
Martinez, Roland Torres, and GQVelasquez, spinning world-house music and EDM.
Fiesta Alegria welcomes the community at-large and features live art, artisan vendors
and more. Food and Beverages will be available for purchase. Artisan vendors and
creatives interested in participating should contact AGA. FREE

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OCTOBER 14
ALICIA TREVIÑO SENIOR CENTER BOOK GROUP: ESMERALDA SANTIAGO
12-1 p.m. | Alicia Treviño Senior Center Book Group | 8353 Culebra Rd.
210.207.9280 | mysapl.org

This month, the Alicia Treviño Senior Center will be reading and discussing a book by
Esmeralda Santiago. This event is only for those who are 60 years or older. FREE

OCTOBER 17
SEBASTIAN IN SAN ANTONIO—OPENING AT THE MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE
6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mexican Cultural Institute | 643 E. Nueva Street
icm.sre.gob.mx/culturamexsa/ | @mexcultureSA on social media

The Mexican Cultural Institute will host the opening ceremony for the major exhibition of
the renowned Mexican artist Sebastian. The worldwide recognized plastic artist has created
more than 200 monumental steel and concrete sculptures found in urban settings around
the world. In 2002 Sebastian created the 65-foot tall “Torch of Friendship” to celebrate
the relationship between the United States, Mexico and Canada in San Antonio.

This exhibition is an ambitious project that will honor Sebastian’s 50-year long career
displaying more than one hundred pieces over various venues around the city from
October 2019 to February 2020. FREE

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ONGOING EVENTS
Participate in these ongoing events throughout September and October in celebration of
Dies y Seiz and Hispanic Heritage Month.

RETABLOS FRONTERIZOS
On view through October 7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mexican Cultural Institute | 643 E. Nueva Street
icm.sre.gob.mx/culturamexsa/ | @mexcultureSA on social media

Retablos Fronterizos (Postcards from the Border) will display a series of photographs and
moving literary vignettes that portray the moral, economic and cultural dignity of those
living along the 1,254 mile Texas-Mexico border. The exhibition offers an intimate
narrative with text and images from Oscar Cásares and Joel Salcido, both born and raised
in the border. The pieces explore the stories of those that continue to call the border
home. FREE

MAESTROS MEZCALEROS
On view through October 7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mexican Cultural Institute | 643 E. Nueva Street
icm.sre.gob.mx/culturamexsa/ | @mexcultureSA on social media

The agave curator Pedro Jimenez will present a series of photographs that expose the
cultural and biological value behind the production of the traditional agave spirits. Pedro
is the mind behind “Mezonte” an organization that supports and preserves the traditional
production of agave spirits across Mexico. The exhibit shows the ancient practices around
the manufacturing of these spirits and creates awareness of their social significance. FREE
MEXICAN TIN ART (HOJALATA) COME & GO CRAFTS FOR TWEENS AND KIDS
WITH SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY

One of the most beautiful expressions of Mexican folk art is hojalata, or tin art work. This
fall we’ll be making some folk art of our own as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
FREE

SEPTEMBER 17
4-5 p.m. | Forest Hills Branch Library | 5245 Ingram Road

SEPTEMBER 22
2-3 p.m. | San Pedro Branch Library | 1315 San Pedro Avenue

SEPTEMBER 28
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Tobin Branch Library | 4134 Harry Wurzbach Road

OCTOBER 3
3 –4 p.m. | Cody Branch Library | 11441 Vance Jackson Road
4-5 p.m. | Igo Branch Library | 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Memorial Branch Library | 3222 Culebra Road
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Parman Branch Library | 20735 Wilderness Oak
5-6 p.m. | Carver Branch Library | 3350 E. Commerce Street

OCTOBER 4
3:30-5:30 p.m. | Johnston Branch Library | 6307 Sun Valley

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October 5
10 a.m.-5vp.m. | Encino Branch Library | 2515 East Evans Road
10 a.m.-5vp.m. | Landa Branch Library | 233 Bushnell Avenue
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Westfall Library | 6111 Rosedale Court
2-2:45 p.m. | Central Library | 600 Soledad Street
2-3 p.m. | Thousand Oaks Library | 4618 Thousand Oaks Drive

October 7
4-5 p.m. | Bazan Library | 2200 W. Commerce Street
4:30-5:30 p.m. | McCreless Library | 1023 Ada Street

October 9
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Collins Garden Library | 200 North Park Boulevard
4-5 p.m. | Cortez Library | 2803 Hunter Boulevard
4-5 p.m. | Guerra Branch Library | 7978 W. Military Drive
5-6 p.m. | Pruitt Library at Roosevelt | 5110 Walzem Road

October 12
4-5 p.m. | Semmes Library | 15060 Judson Road

October 14
5-6 p.m. | Pan American Library | 1122 W. Pyron Road
4-8 p.m. | Schaefer Library | 6322 U.S. Highway 87

For more information visit mysapl.org

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 presented by

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO

DEPARTMENT OF
ARTS & CULTURE

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