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Peru, past and present converge at Middfest

Organizers announce France will be featured country next year.

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By Justin McClelland 1:14 AM Monday, October 3, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — Adorned in ornate gold headdresses and elaborate costumes, the four members of Inca Son musical ensemble cut an unusual figure in the middle of Middletown’s City Council Chamber.

A packed audience sat enraptured by the gentle, energetic music performed by the members of the Peruvian musicians. Between songs, the quartet’s leader, paused to take a sip from a water bottle.

“In the highlands of Peru, the spring water is free,” he quipped, as the audience chuckled.

Inca Son was one of numerous highlights of Middfest, Middletown’s annual celebration of foreign cultures. This year’s festival focused on the South American country of Peru. Visitors enjoyed artwork, songs, dances, film and displays reflecting the Peruvian culture, both its ancient roots and present day.

On the fourth floor of the city building, Peruvian artist Maximiano Ochante Lozano captivated on-lookers with intricately carved miniature sculptures called “retablos.” Most of Lozano’s retablo’s were of nativity scenes, with all the familiar figures placed in a tiny box.

“I find his artwork out of this world,” said Debbie Cover, who was Lozano’s host for his weekend in Middletown. Cover was so taken with Lozano’s work she purchased one of his nativity scenes for her own home.

“I’d never heard of a retablo before Maximiano visited me,” Cover admitted. “But that’s one of the great things about Middfest. You get introduced to all these new worlds.”

Sidney Palomino of Fairborn was eager to share with onlookers the skill of backstrap weaving. Settled on the floor, with a thin, long loom pulled tight between a building pillar and her body, Palomino explained the complex artwork behind the backstrap weave. Just preparing for the weave takes eight hours, Palomino said.

“An event like this really gives a chance to offer hands-on teaching,” said Palomino, whose father-in-law is Peruvian. She learned the style of weaving by traveling to the country while in college.

Turnout for the both days of the event was strong, especially on Sunday, which offered nicer weather, said Middfest spokeswoman Carla Walker.

“It was cold yesterday but people still came, bundled in blankets and wearing gloves,” Walker said.

The end of the day brought the announcement that next year’s Middfest will spotlight the country of France.

“Instead of Octoberfest in Cincinnati, make room for Vive Le France in Middletown,” said Municipal Court Judge Mark Wall, a co-chair of Middfest.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

Focus on community Middfest International

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