KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Embassy of Mexico has organised a number of cultural activities to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties with Jamaica.

These include a special dance class at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston on September 14, and a concert featuring the Guadalajara Dance Company and the Mariachi Band ‘Orgullo de Jalisco’ on September 17 at the Little Theatre in Kingston.

Orgullo de Jalisco will also conduct a class with the students of the Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston.

The University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Mona Campus will be the venue for a conference looking at the diplomatic relations between the countries to be held on October 13.

Mexico’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Martha Cecilia Jaber, told JIS that the objective is to expose Jamaicans to the Mexican culture as part of efforts to strengthen relations.

“The best way to enhance mutual understanding is by means of our cultural activities,” she pointed out, while inviting persons to attend and participate in the various events.

Tickets for the activities can be purchased at the Edna Manley College, Little Theatre and UWI.

Ambassador Jaber said the Embassy is finalising arrangements for the staging of a culinary event, which will allow Jamaicans to taste Mexican cuisine.

In March 2016, the Mexican Embassy invited primary school students, ages nine to 12 years, to participate in an art competition by submitting drawings or paintings under the theme: ‘Mexico, a Caribbean Country’.

Drews Avenue Primary School student, Ebonique Taylor, who won the competition, was awarded a trip to Mexico, as well as special prizes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Jamaica and Mexico established diplomatic relations in March 1965.