OUR ACTIVITIES SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2011

30th of October 2011
The presence of CEPE Taxco in UNAM’s Mega Ofrenda
As in every year, there was a grouping in the “Las Islas” of UNAM called a Mega Ofrenda. This year it was dedicated to the story “El Aleph” by the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. The Mega Ofrenda was formed by combining ten ofrendas by faculty, institutions, and schools incorporated with UNAM of which the participants demonstrated their talent in constructing scenes and at the same time maintaining the preservation of this ancient tradition of Mexico that pays homage, respect, and memory to the dead. In the frame of this event, the General Office of the University Community offered to those in attendance diverse artistic activities of those who attended workshops in theatrical and musical presentations with the principal theme of the dead and Mexican traditions. In this program, on the 30th of October, the Xinaxtli Theater Group presented at UNAM, the spectacular “Ofrenda Viviente.” The spectacle is a converging of discipline in dance and theater, regarding the Mexican traditions of death. By means of physical exercises that demonstrate the work that they have developed, the members of the company also involve the spectators in the construction of a grand ofrenda that lives in the actors and the set design which become part of the ofrenda. The reception of the public in attendance of the Mega Ofrenda was exceptional, and reached a level of university quality performed by the youth from Taxco and left an esteemed name for CEPE - Taxco.

27th of October 2011
Meeting regarding the awareness against violence at CEPE Taxco
On the 27th of October, there was a “Meeting regarding the awareness against violence” in which specialists from Taxco and Puebla participated, to deal with themes such as discrimination in school and domestic violence. The roundtable was organized by CEPE -Taxco and the Ibero-American University of Puebla. During the morning of Thursday the roundtable carried out the topics of “Bullying, self-injury, and discrimination among students” that was led by the participation of Dr. Alicia Llamas, a clinical psychologist, Professor Jorge Santos, a specialist in social psychoanalysis, and Dr. Rosa María Barrientos, an educative psychologist, who all presented in front of more than one hundred students and professors of diverse schools from this city. Dr. Llamas spoke on the subject of bullying, a problem that has received special importance with the root of cases with the internet, and the importance of student and professor’s participation to avoid this type of violence. Professor Santos discussed the problem of self-mutilation in young people, its origins, and possible therapeutic resolves for youth. Dr. Barriento closed with discrimination in schools and its source of many problems within a school and family life such as suicide, desertion, and how to resolve this problem. In the afternoon, the round table discussed violence provoked by gender in which Professor Lourdes Pérez participated, a sociologist, Professor Cirilo River, a counseling psychologist and a specialist in themes regarding gender, and the anthropologist Eva Albavera, a specialist from Guerrero and a leader in the civil association Equality and Autonomy. The exposition started with Professor Pérez who talked about the history of today’s existing conditions of gender violence, especially regarding Mexico’s situation and the forces to eradicate it. Professor Rivera talked about the profound creation of stereotypes regarding masculinity that provoke many types of domestic violence. To close, the Anthropologist Albavera spoke about gender violence in the state of Guerrero, its possible causes and the actions that can be taken to combat it. The round table discussion was moderated by the coordinator of the event, Dr. Covadonga Cuétara. This even is a demonstration of the compromise of UNAM, through CEPE Taxco, to improve the continual conditions of life for the inhabitants of the region.

27th of October 2011
Celebration of “Day of the Dead” at CEPE – Taxco
On Thursday the 27th, in the afternoon, there was a celebration for the Day of the Dead for students and professors at CEPE Taxco. The celebration started with a montage of a traditional ofrenda for the Day of the Dead that was under the direction of the Spanish Professors Alicia Fonol, Itzel Sánchez, and Sofía Bautista. The ofrenda, as well as traditional motives such as flowers, candles, and food, were included at a special place dedicated for those who died in violence in this country, especially in Ciudad Juárez. Later, the English professors gave a panoramic explanation of the celebration of the day of witches, or Halloween in the United States. Later, the celebration moved to the “Revolution” stage where a hundred or so people attended, among students, professors, and friends of the community, where they saw a presentation of a montage spectacle “Living Ofrenda” presented by the Xinaxtli Theater Group under the direction of Layo Oviedo. The spectacle is the relation of a traditional ofrenda for the dead, putting special attention to the motives of the indigenous tradition through dance and theater. Finally, the community of CEPE - Taxco was able to close the event with the distinguished Bread of the Dead and coffee, offered by the CEPE - Taxco office staff.

26th through the 28th of October 2011
CEPE/UNAM – Taxco offers a course on natural insecticides in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Guerrero
For three days, a little more than thirty people interested in the conservation of the environment and the natural alternatives to control plagues, attended the course “Natural Insecticides,” which was given by Dr. Césareo Rodríguez Hernández at the Academic Unit of Earth Sciences of the Autonomous University of Guerrero (UAG), located at the Ex Hacienda de San Juan Bautista, in Taxco el Viejo. During the course, organized by CEPE/UNAM – Taxco in collaboration with UAG, the participants analyzed diverse themes which emphasize the preventive aspects regarding natural insecticides, such as the correct use of powders, oil extracts, ashes and smoke from vegetables, organic substances, and inorganic compounds. Dr. Cesáreo Rodríguez Hernández is an Investigative Professor with a degree from the Post Graduate College of the Autonomous University of Chapingo and has more than 30 years of experience with alternative control of plagues.

25th of October 2011
The Xinaxtli Theater Group of CEPE Taxco performs at the Architecture and Urbanization Unit
As part of the growing collaboration between the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Autonomous University of Guerrero, The Xinaxtli Theater Group from CEPE - Taxco gave a presentation at the installations of the Architecture and Urbanization Unit of UAG, presenting two short plays by the Veracruz playwright Emilio Carballido. With motives of commemorating the 1968 movement and massacre, the Xinaxtli Group summed up the works “Únete, pueblo” and “Conmemorante,” in which they explore some moments from the student movement of 1968, as well as the perception that existed during that period and society. The plays were presented to one hundred students in the architecture and urbanization degree program, who showed interest in maintaining collaboration between UNAM and UAG.

25th of October 2011
Equipment is given to CEPE Taxco and Government of Taxco for the digitalization of Taxco’s Historical Archives
As part of the commitment of UNAM, through CEPE Taxco, with the preservation of the memory of Taxco and of Guerrero, there was a ceremony regarding the donation of equipment to digitize the Historical Municipal Archives of Taxco, that are being restored by this Center, which consists of a photographic camera, an SD memory, an extra rechargeable battery, a portable computer, a lamp, and a stand specially constructed for the digitalization of old documents. The equipment was delivered by Doctor Fransicso Barriga and Professor Teresa Pavía, the National Coordinator of Anthropology from the National Anthropology and History Institute (INAH) and the Regional Coordinator of INAH in Guerrero, respectively, who displayed their pleasure in the donation as well as confirmed the promise to complete the digitalization of one of the most important archives of the region. At the same ceremony, representatives of the municipal president of Taxco de Alarcón delivered a personal computer for the same reasons. The third period of the digitalization under the direction of personnel from INAH Guerrero will be concluded at the end of November, although the process will be maintained thanks to the lending of personnel from the Government of Taxco de Alarcón.

25th of October 2011
Meeting of the advisory council for CEPE Taxco
As part of the continuing activities of CEPE Taxco, on the 25th of October there was another meeting of the Advisory Council for this educational center. With prominent member of Taxco’s society and with representatives from institutions that CEPE maintains academic and cultural relations with, Professor Javier Cuétara, the Director of CEPE Taxco, presented a report on activities and projects. He highlighted the current situation of the Historic Archives of Taxco, the situation regarding the restoration Project of the Casona, and the preparation for the twentieth anniversary of CEPE in this silver city.

21st of October 2011
Ordinary Reunion of the Consulting Council of the National Institution of Migration
There was an ordinary session of the Consulting Council of the North Delegation of Guerrero of the National Institute of Migration (INM) at the installations of the Ex Hacienda “El Chorrillo.” At the meeting official representatives of the delegation of INM attended, as well as municipal authorities, Professor Javier Cuétara, the Director of CEPE - Taxco and president of the Consulting Council. During the session, the delegation of INM informed of the activities they are doing according with the work plan from the beginning of the year. In addition, they began to negotiate for the next commemoration of Migrant Day, that is celebrated on the 6th of December this year with the help of CEPE - Taxco at the Ex Hacienda “El. Chorrillo”.

20th of October 2011
Ethan James Hagen, a professor at CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, presents his new CD accompanied by Aerial Dance
Ethan James Hagen, a musician, guitar and musical composition teacher of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, gave a concert to present his most recent release titled “One Half.” Accompanied by Alan Gómez, the artistic director of the Aerial Dance Company “Aferrarte,” in the “Revolution” stage, Ethan performed original inspiring compositions, as well as songs from the British group “The Beatles” and Cuban music from the “Buena Vista Social Club.” Ethan James Hagen received his degree in Music (classical guitar and composition) from Luther College, Decorah Iowa in 1995. Since then he has developed professionally in music as a teacher and independent artist, both in Mexico and in the United States. Ethan’s music is categorized in the genera known as “Fingerstyle,” which is characterized by the technique using abstract tunings used on the guitar. His first CD of original music titled “Songs and Solos” was released for sales in 1997, and in 2001 he presented his second CD titled “Crescent.” Currently he is returning to the international scene in music with the release of “One Half.” This disk is an interesting collection of original instrumental and vocal pieces.

19th of October 2011
The Xinaxtli Theater Group from CEPE Taxco gives a presentation at the Geography Student’s Meeting
As part of the academic and cultural interchange established between UNAM, through CEPE Taxco, and the Autonomous University of Guerrero, the Xinaxtli Theater Group of CEPE Taxco presented two plays for the National Meeting for Geography Students, which was celebrated the week of the 17th through the 21st of October at the Ex Hacienda of San Juan Bautista, located at Taxco el Viejo. The plays that were presented were “Únete, pueblo” and “Conmemorantes” from the Veracruz playwright Emilio Carballido. The theme of both plays is from a student development movement from Mexico in 1968. In both plays, the relation between students and the rest of the general middle class public is explored, but with great dramatic force, and with comedy. The plays were chosen by the director of the group, Layo Oviedo, for the vitality and the current relevancy that it has from the 1968 movement and massacre of the Mexican population. In addition, both plays serve as an introduction for students and young people that are not familiarized with the recent history of this country. The play was well received by the group of students from all over the country that were fortunately able to take a break from the academic activities, without losing the view in relation to the youth that surround this society.

19th of October 2011
Narration of a story of a “Chilanga” through performance and poetry
In the evening on Wednesday, those in attendance at the “Revolution” stage of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco viewed a presentation of a one person spectacle, mixed with poetry, performing, rap, and multimedia elements called “Chilanga Habla.” Edmeé García, a performer and writer, presented this performance at the Ex Hacienda “El Chorrillo,” as she describes in her own words as “a poem, an ode to love and hate of the Federal District.” “Chilanga Habla” takes one through the city that is the scenery of adventures and misadventures of the protagonist, who in her poem tells us the significance of living and surviving in this mega city. “Chilanga Habla” is a performance combined with poems, sounds, and images that portray the city and the life of a woman, who between metaphors and songs, delivers her little public world, while at the same time stops seeing how she loves the place where we live and build our lives.

7th of October 2011
Music from Spain and Mexico presented in concert with voice and piano
Classical pieces such as Me llaman la Primorosa, from the opera El Barbero de Sevilla, composed by Gerónimo Giménez and Manuel Nieto; Granada by Agustín Lara, and Alma Mía, by María Greever were performed, again by the sopranos Lluvia Ruelas and Alejandra Sandoval in the city of Taxco de Alarcón. At the “Revolution” stage of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco and accompanied by the maestro Sergio Vázquez on piano, both performers put on an extraordinary show with their voices and stage presence in a concert of music with origins from Spain and Mexico. The soprano Lluvia Ruelas is originally from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, where she began her musical activities with the Ängela Peralta Choir under the direction of maestro Antonio González. She has participated in operas such as Turandot, Madam Butterfly, and La Traviata. Also, the soprano Alejandra Sandoval, who was born in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, finished her degree in Music (voice) at the School of Music with the University of Guanajuato in 2005 and has studied and taken master classes with renowned national and international lyrical vocalists such as Hugo Barreiro, Isir Almaguer, Laurel Miller, Ramón Calzadilla, Enrique Patrón de Rueda, among others. In his own right, the maestro Sergio Vázquez, originally from Terreón, Coahuila began his studies in piano at the age of 10 under the direction of Elizabeth Guerrero, and later in the Higher Education School of Music with the Autonomous University of Coahuila, in Saltillo, with Lidia Usyaopin and later in Mexico City with Alberto Cruzprieto and Jorge Federico Osorio.

6th of October 2011
Students from CEPE/UNAM – Taxco show the deterioration of the environment in the city of Taxco de Alarcón through a collective photographic exposition
“A view through the eyes of young people from Taxco concerning garbage, visual pollution, and the necessity of ecological consciousness in this town” was the slogan that was presented in the collective photography exposition “I’m from a small town and..” Urban images of Taxco. The photography exposition, done by students from CEPE/UNAM – Taxco who participated in the course titled “Humans and Nature,” included images of the continuing process of degradation in urban landscape, as well as pointing out the terrible problem of air, water, and soil pollution that the city of Taxco de Alarcón faces. With this exposition, the students from CEPE/UNAM – Taxco intend to offer a critical view about the problem that unfortunately has become common, and at the same time to calls attention to the citizens to be conscious and participate in the actions required to improve the urban space of this city. In addition to the twenty photographs that are part of the exposition (taken by the students of different places in the city), the group coordinator and professor of the course, Alejandra Arango Cervantes, also created a video where images are shown of the changes and the urban growth that unfortunately has assisted in the deterioration and contamination of this “Magic Town.” During the inauguration, Professor Javier Cuétara, the Director of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco explained that the showing of these photographs exhibits various places in this city such as schools and museums. In addition, he indicated that with this exposition, those that visit it can be self-critical, reflect on the issue, and ask: What kind of a place do we live in here at Taxco? http://www.cepetaxco.unam.mx/EXPOHYN102011ING.html

29th of September 2011
ENGLISH STUDENTS CONCLUDE COURSES AT CEPE/UNAM – TAXCO
Meeting in the “Independence” Auditorium of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco and accompanied by friends and family, seven students of English attended the graduation ceremony where they received a certificate of completion of studies at this university center. The students that finished all of the levels of intensive English courses presented a video produced by themselves where they narrated a comic story and applied their knowledge of the foreign language. The presidium was integrated by Professor Roberto Cruz, the Academic Secretary of CEPE; Professor Carmen Sotelo; the English department coordinator; as well as the Professors Kyle Coleman and Ethan Hagen.

28th of September 2011
ACOUSTIC ROCK IN THE ZOCALO OF TAXCO DE ALARCÓN
Young writers and musicians, the duo “Doble Vida” integrated by Eduardo Huchín and Elisa Corona, offered an interesting concert of acoustic alternative rock in the zócalo of Taxco de Alarcón. Two guitarists and many chords were part of the acoustic presentation of “Doble Vida,” where one can identify the sounds of rock, blues, and jazz. During the presentation, organized by CEPE/UNAM – Taxco in collaboration with the local government of Taxco de Alarcón, the duo performed songs not yet published from their new recording such as El pasado no se abre con la llave por dentro, Barcos, Under the Bridge, and some covers such as All That She Wants.

28th of September 2011
CEPE/UNAM –TAXCO COLABORATES WITH UPEG IN LIBRARIAN WORK
As part of the activities in collaboration between CEPE/UNAM – Taxco and the Polytechnic University of the State of Guerrero (UPEG), the past 28th of September, personnel from the Polytechnic University visited the “Juan Ruiz de Alarcón” Library of CEPE to receive consultation about the heritage of book cataloguing. During the consultancy, the librarian in charge at CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, Carlos Alberto Salgado Romero, explained to the group from UPEG the cataloguing system that is used in our “Juan Ruiz de Alarcón” library, as well as different forms of classification for the collection of some of the computer systems that are used more frequently.

The 27th through 29th of September 2011
CEPE/UNAM – TAXCO ORGANIZES A COURSE IN GUADALUPANA ICONOGRAPHY
The 27th through the 29th of September, CEPE/UNAM – Taxco organized a course “Iconography Guadalupana,” which was presented to people interested in history, interpretation, and the principal understanding of the Tonantzin images or the Virgin of Guadalupe. During the course, which was held at the Vice Royal Art Museum of Taxco de Alarcón, the professor Marcos Hernández Duarte, a specialist in the studies of Catholicism and Colonial Period Identity, explained the evolution of the symbols that integrate the images of the Virgin of Guadalupe, as well as the significance and the social, economic, and political context of which it is used.

25th of September 2011
CONFERENCE “HOW NÁHUATL CONQUERED SPANISH” AT UPEG
In the frame of the activities done at the academic extension of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, Professor Javier Cuétara Priede, director of this learning center, gave a conference titled “How Náhuatl Conquered Spanish,” to students from the Polytechnic University of the State of Guerrero (UPEG). Before professors and students of higher education from this institution, Professor Cuétara pointed out some of the principal characteristics of the Náhuatl language and gave a brief description about the origins of this language that has penetrated Spanish or Castillano that is still spoken today in our country. Students as well as professors showed much interest in the theme and in obtaining a more profound understanding. In this sense, Professor Cuétara gave call to conserve, respect, and know the indigenous languages that are spoken in the national territory, and all that are present in the state of Guerrero.

20th of September 2011
PRESENTATION OF “GUERRERO, PROFILES AND HORIZONS,” A BOOK THAT SHOWS THE DIVERSITY OF THE STATE
The Academic Secretary of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, Roberto Cruz Arzabal, gave a presentation of the book “Guerrero, Profiles and Horizons,” by Dante Alarcón, in the “Independence” auditorium of this learning center. At the beginning of the presentation, Roberto Cruz pointed out that with this material the reader will find out relevant information that allows one to know the diversity and the general characteristics of the state. On his part, the author of the book explained that the text intends to capture the complete reality of the state and was elaborated on after traveling for more than ten years while working in rural areas of this state. “Guerrero, Profiles and Horizons,” is integrated by chapters that involve different angles and particularities of Guerrero, such as its demography, rural and urban structure, services, natural resources, economy, agriculture, industry, finances, and political context. The presentation was done in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the State of Guerrero (UPEG) as part of the activities of academic extension that are done between both universities in the state. The material was edited by UPEG.

14th of September 2011
FOREIGN STUDENTS HAVE A GATHERING TO CELEBRATE MEXICO’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
In a festive and traditional environment, the Spanish teachers of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco organized a gathering for their foreign students with the motive of celebrating the Independence of Mexico at the Ex Hacienda “El Chorrillo.” During the activities to celebrate this date, the students attended a talk offered by Dr. Rodrigo Espino about the preceding events that took place during the independence of our country. Later, the students participated in games organized in the area by the pool, and later ate traditional food from Mexico such as chicken and potato tacos dorados and fresh flavored water drinks. Finally, four young people from the State of Guerrero and members of the folkloric “Citlalan” dance group presented the Jarabe Tapatío, originally from Jalisco, and some Huapangos from the state of Tamaulipas.

The 12th through the 14th of September 2011
FILM CYCLE “HOMAGE TO CANTINFLAS, HONERING HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY”
To commemorate the hundredth birthday of the Mexican actor Mario Moreno “Cantinflas,” the Learning Center for Foreign Students – Campus Taxco (CEPE/UNAM – Taxco) in collaboration with the local government of Taxco de Alarcón, presented the film cycle “Homage to Cantinflas” on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of September. In the Veracruz Plaza in the city of Taxco, a public attended the projection of three important films. The cycle began with Ahí está el detalle, a film considered to be a classic and one of the best in the repertoire of the Mexican comedian, where the confusion between an orator named “Bobby” and a gangster by the same name give rise to a series of entanglements among a jealous husband, his nervous wife, a nice housekeeper, and “Cantinflas.” To complete this cycle, Pepe (1960) and El Padrecit (1964) were presented. The first is a Mexican/American film based on the script of the Broadway play Magic. In the film numerous singers, actors, and musicians participate from that decade. Among the important locations of this film include Taxco and Acapulco, Guerrero; the second narrates a story of father “Sebas,” living in a typical town dominated by a political tyrant.

9th of September 2011
THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY PRESENTS THE THIRD NATIONAL ORGAN FESTIVAL AT SANTA PRISCA CHURCH, IN TAXCO DE ALARCÓN.
As part of the efforts in institutional collaboration and the promotion of culture and the arts in the State of Guerrero, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, through the Learning Center for Foreign Students – Campus Taxco (CEPE/UNAM – Taxco), participated with the Local Government of Taxco de Alarcón to carry out the Third National Organ Festival in Santa Prisca Church that is being held in this city and will end on this coming 18th of January of 2012. During the inauguration of the festival, the academic secretary of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, Roberto Cruz Arzabal, highlighted the importance that these types of events have to strengthen and promote culture in the city of Taxco. In addition, he mentioned the necessity of the joining of educative institutions and the government to work together in favor of strengthening culture. Roberto Cruz also said that this Third Festival that is being held in the Parochial Church Santa Prisca, which is a baroque construction from the 18th century and patrimony to humanity, is a magnificent opportunity to recuperate public spaces, of which one can enjoy the arts and culture. On her part, the municipal director of culture, Marisela Quinto, underlined the importance of the combined forces to carry out these types of events that are an excellent opportunity to promote tourism and culture in Taxco de Alarcón. The Third National Organ Festival of Santa Prisca, directed by Victor Contreras, was initiated with a concert by renowned organist Daniel Robles. Of Poblano origin, this young musician has had important teachers such as Fabienne Crutzen, Stephan Kofler, Stephen Roberts and Ronald Ebrecht, among others. In addition he has played some of the most important organs such as the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, the Basilica of Guadalupe, the National Conservatory of Music, the National Auditorium, the Morelia Cathedral, and the Grenzing Organ from the Regional Conservatory in Paris.

9th of September 2011
A DIDACTIC PRESENTATION OF CLASSICAL PIECES IN CONCERT FOR PIANO AND CELLO
In an interesting exercise of interaction, the teachers Margarita Valle (piano) and Rosario León (cello) performed a beautiful program of classical pieces for piano and cello during the didactic concert that was offered at the “Revolution” stage of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco. On this occasion, the repertoire carried the audience on a musical trip from the baroque period up to contemporary times with pieces such as Largo affetuosso by Corelli, Romance by C. Debussy, Fantasia N. 1 by R. Schumann or Danzón N. 5 Portales de Madrugada by A. Márquez. The didactic concerts are a magnificent opportunity to learn more about classical music, and to understand more about production and performance, to participate in a live musical experience, and to form a critical audience. Margarita Valle is a graduate of the National School of Music. Her principal instrument is the piano and she is also proficient on the violin. She is a founding member of the Children’s and Youth Orchestra of UNAM performing with the violin. Rosario León studied violoncello at the National Conservatory of Music. She has participated in the Aulos Quartet and the Matisse Quartet, of which she was awarded a scholarship of the Artistic Creation Incentive Foundation (FOECA).

7th and 13th of September 2011
ENAP HAS A BOOK CONFERENCE AND PRESENTATION IN THE “INDEPENDENCE” AUDITORIUM
The extension center located in Taxco de Alarcón of the National School of Visual Arts (ENAP) had two academic activities in the “Independence” Auditorium of CEPE, of which was attended by students and teachers of diverse learning disciplines that are offered at said school. The first was a conference that was held on the 7th of September titled “What are the studies of image?” offered by Dr. Fernando Zamora, of ENAP and of the San Carlos Academia of UNAM. The second was in relation to a presentation of the book “The Universe is Made of Technical Images,” by Vilem Flusser, also presented by Dr. Fernando Zamora and was held on the 13th of September. Dr. Zamora holds a PhD. In philosophy and is an investigative professor with ENAP.

7th of September 2011
RECORDING OF “SOUNDS OF MAGIC TOWNS” AT THE EX-HACIENDA “EL CHORRILLO”
This past 7th of September, personnel from the National Council for Culture and the Arts (CONACULTA) visited the upper level of the Ex Hacienda “El Chorrillo,” to record sounds that the water fall makes of which shares the same name of this important colonial hacienda. This activity forms part of the Project “Landscapes in Sound of Magic Towns,” through which CONACULTA intends to gather characteristics of these villages categorized as magic sites. This recording has as its objective to preserve and share the sounds that form the identity of these villages and include peculiar sounds of daily life, sounds of animals or natural elements, among others. Today Taxco de Alarcón is the third most visited place in the State of Guerrero, and the only one that is not a beach destination. It possesses an artistic jewel of baroque architecture from the middle of the 18th century, the Parochial Church Santa Prisca y San Sebastián, of which is surrounded by houses that are intended to conserve the characteristic local vernacular architecture. Due to what was previously mentioned, Taxco has been declared a “Magic Town,” which reinforces and better establishes its vocation as a tourist destination.

5th of September 2011
THE XINAXTLI THEATER GROUP FROM CEPE/UNAM – TAXCO PRESENTS “THE CRAZY QUEEN”
One more time, and with much success, the Xinaxtli Theater Group from CEPE/UNAM – Taxco presented the play “The Crazy Queen,” at the Earth Science Building of the Autonomous University of Guerrero (UAG), located at Taxco el Viejo. Through farce, comedy, and drama, this theatrical play takes one through the daily life of any human being. However, the characters obey the craziness, disguised as sanity and vice versa, provoking the spectator to reflect on the way that we relate to our daily environment. According to the director of the Xinaxtli Theater Group of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, Layo Oviedo, “everything in our lives has a touch of madness that makes things more pleasant, more tolerable, or more abstract, but in this presentation the characters obey the craziness, with their limit of sanity that is diffused, of which we all deal with every day, consciously or unconsciously, voluntary or involuntary.

2nd of September 2011
FINE ARTS CONCERTS IN TAXCO WITH MUSIC FROM SPAIN AND AMERICA
During the moving concert that was presented at the “Revolution” stage of CEPE/UNAM – Taxco, the extraordinary mezzosoprano María Luisa Tamez, accompanied by Carlos Alberto Pecero on the piano, offered a program of variety that included music from Spain and from countries on the American continent. In the extent of the recital, María Luisa Tamez gave a magnificent vocal performance of Music from Brazil, Argentina, and Spain with pieces such as Engehno novo, Cançao d’amor, Alguien le dijo al tango, Chacarera “What is it to you that I don’t come” from the Zarzuela Los Claveles “The Nards” from the Zarzuela Las Leandras and Te lo Juro Yo, among others. María Luisa Tamez made her debut when she was chosen by Eduardo Mata to star in four productions of Fine Arts Opera in Mexico City; and since then has been invited by the London, Los Angeles, and Paris Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as the Berlin Symphony, among many others. She has toured Europe and performed in New Zealand, Brazil, Uruguay, and Venezuela. On his own right, the maestro Carlos Alberto Pecero studied at the National Conservatory of Music with Luz María Puente, György Sándor, and Barbara Hesse-Bukowska. He has taken courses in perfecting his skills with Paul Badura-skoda, Bernard Flavigny, and Giancarlo Cucciniello. As a recitalist and orchestra soloist, he has performed on the most important stages in Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, as well as in Austria and Spain. He has alternated with renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Elena Durán, and Mstislav Rostropovich.