“Cruceña Night” Comes to City Council to Celebrate Santa Cruz Culture

The city council of Santa Cruz de la Sierra opened its doors to an evening devoted to the region’s culture, with artisans, artists and musicians presenting traditions from across Santa Cruz.

The “Cruceña Night” event featured an indigenous orchestra, paintings and displays of local heritage. Artisans exhibited their products and shared examples of the region’s cultural wealth, including Guaraní loom work, saó weaving and Chiquitana handicrafts. A documentary on the history of Santa Cruz played in the chamber where council sessions are held.

Council President Luisa Nayar said the institution should help promote and strengthen art and culture. “Santa Cruz is not only celebrated, it is felt, sung and danced,” she said, highlighting the artists, artisans, singers and painters working to support the region’s cultural life.

Council member Andrea Vaca, who chairs the Education, Culture, Tourism and Sport Commission, said keeping local roots alive is essential to preserving a people’s identity. She praised artisans and the effort to pass on games, weaving and other expressions of Santa Cruz history to younger generations.

Mayor Carlos Manuel Saavedra also attended and welcomed the event, which gave residents an opportunity to buy regional handicrafts. Organizers invited the public to join the wider September program marking Santa Cruz’s anniversary month.

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Santa Cruz is not only celebrated, it is felt, sung and danced.