Almost 40 years ago in 1987 during the U.S.-funded war on El Salvador, the City Council declared that Cambridge would become an official sister city with San José Las Flores, a small organized village in northern El Salvador. Since then, an official delegation has traveled to Las Flores in every year except during the Covid pandemic to sustain the connection – a model of solidarity based on mutual respect with justice and peace at the center.
A “Solidarity Cabaret” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, celebrates the 2025 delegation with music (including from members of the Good Trouble brass band), poetry, comedy, spoken word and a light dinner at the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. All are welcome to join us for a free, festive evening.
Led by sister city “veterans” Sarah Slive Davila and Rachel Wyon, the delegates include Salvadoran-Americans who remain strongly connected with El Salvador through their families and who bring much wisdom from their experiences in the local Salvadoran diaspora.
El Salvador is in the news every day due to the U.S. government’s transfer of immigrants to the vast and brutal Cecot prison there. President Nayib Bukele created the prison as part of his “state of exception” more than two years ago, part of his suspension of all constitutional protections while police swept up thousands of young men suspected of gang activity – signs of which included tattoos or any sort.
In San José Las Flores, there are no gangs. Community leaders continue to maintain education, health care and nutrition for everyone, care for the elderly and environmental safety. And they are defying Bukele’s recent declaration to reinstitute mining for precious metals, a toxic process that would destroy their drinking water. Nevertheless, there is an atmosphere of fear and isolation, making a visit from Cambridge all the more urgent and welcome.
The long and consistent relationship between our two very different municipalities has been and continues to be a source of inspiration and hope. Now we are together facing governments that would trample our rights, intimidate any who would speak out and destroy our environments. We are stronger for our mutual solidarity. Come to the Cabaret!
For information about the project or event, send email to cambridgeelsalvador@gmail.com.
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