Andean Culture Celebrated All Weekend In Queens

Running through seven countries from Argentina to Venezuela, the Andes is the longest mountain range in the world. This weekend, the South American strip will seemingly stretch even higher to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where films, dance, music, and even fashion will celebrate the region. More information and an additional photo on the jump page.

On Saturday, Queens Museum combines with Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at NYU to host May Sumak!, which will screen the shorts Qallay: Fiesta de las flores (Bolivia, 2013) and Mosocc Punchau (Peru, 2012) in Quechua, an indigenous language which is still spoken in parts of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. (There will be subtitles in Spanish.) Afterward, Ecuadorian filmmaker Frida Muenala from the film collective Ruphay­ Runacinema Laboratorio will discuss an upcoming special project. The afternoon will also feature performances by Wawa Sumags along with the Ecuadorian dance troupe, Ecuador Sumag Llacta, followed by a concert by NYC-­based Andean band Inkarayku. There will be a repeat screening of the films at 3 pm.

On Sunday, the same museum will partner with the Alianza Ecuatoriana Internacional to host an Andean Fashion Show. Three NYC-based designers with Andean roots — Justo Santos, Leonor Torres, and Natalia Rivera — will showcase bridal, formal, and casual wear with help from more than 20 models.

Details: May Sumak!: Quichwa Film Showcase, Queens Museum, NYC Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, March 28th, 1 pm.

Bonus details: Andean Fashion Show, March 29th, 1 pm.

Photos: Ayazamana Cultural Center