The community of Sarrapia (Matavén Fruta sector) came alive with music, tradition, and ancestral pride during the 18th edition of the Bocón Cultural Festival. This annual event is one of the most meaningful celebrations for the Indigenous peoples of the territory, and for REDD+ Matavén, it is an honor to support and help strengthen this living heritage.
The festival brought together children, youth, and elders for a vibrant celebration of identity and community through a wide variety of cultural and traditional sports activities, including:
- Archery competitions
- Bocón fishing contest
- Traditional dances and Indigenous music
- Handicrafts
- Bocón-themed drawing contest
- Traditional food preparation
- The Siren of the Bocón pageant
- Indigenous-style volleyball, and much more
Each activity reflects the deep-rooted connection between culture, land, and collective memory, ensuring that ancestral knowledge is passed down to future generations.
Culture, nature, and sustainable development go hand in hand
The Bocón Cultural Festival is more than a celebration. It is a powerful expression of identity and a living manifestation of Indigenous worldview. At REDD+ Matavén, we believe that supporting cultural heritage is key to protecting nature, strengthening Indigenous governance, and building a truly sustainable future.
By investing in traditions like this, we reaffirm our commitment to community-driven climate action, where the guardians of the forest, Indigenous peoples, lead the way in caring for both land and culture.