Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders

Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders|Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders|Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders|Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders|Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders|Taino Awards Honors Culture Preserving Leaders
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez|Photo by Kasey Rodriguez|Photo by Kasey Rodriguez|Photo by Kasey Rodriguez|Photo by Kasey Rodriguez|Photo by Kasey Rodriguez

In keeping with a ten year tradition, the Bronx’s urban tradition, the Taino Awards proudly announced its 2018 winners and honorees on Sunday, June 3 at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. This year’s honorees included Areito Award for Artisan of the Year recipient Ciba Bo Dgon, Ceiba/elder of the Year recipient Lliguaracoel Morales, Tabanuko/Herbalist of the Year recipient Lourdes ‘Lulu’ Garcia, Areito Award for Musician of the Year recipient Asher Delerme, Yocahu/Humanitarian Award recipient Fernando Ponce Laspina, Kabuya Award recipient Sylvia ‘Guarixecoa’ Arroyo, Guaitiao/Friendship Award recipient Ranald Woodaman, Areito Award for Writer of the Year recipient Lynne Guitar, Areito Award for Photography/Film recipient Salvador Bolivar, Areito Award for Artist of the Year recipient Albert Ariezaga, Areito Award for Theatre recipient Sofiya Cheyenne Perez, Guaribo/Warrior of the Year recipient Jason ‘Koeiaki’ Calderon, Areito Award for Poet of the Year recipient Santos Taino, Guaitiao/Friendship Award for Community recipient Sonia Vera, Areito Award for S.T.E.M. recipient Herson Cabrera and Attabei/Lifetime Award recipient Tony Castanha.

Mazarte Dance Company Inc. danced the night away.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez

The stage for this year’s gala reflected the Taino’s unique culture and traditions.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez

Areito Award winning musician Asher Delerme played his instrument for the crowd.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez

Sylvia ‘Guarixecoa’ Arroyo accepted the Kabuya Award for being a Taino fashion designer and creating statement pieces reflecting her culture.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez

Event organizer Candy Soto (front, l) congratulated this year’s honorees on their success.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez