Ramelau Cultural Festival

Tempo Semanal Dili, 29.10.2010

The President of the Republic,Dr. Jose Ramos Horta launched the Ramelau Cultural Festival yesterday at the Presidential Office. The festival is being held from October 27 to 29, 2010 in Hatubuilico, Ainaro district.

President said, “this is the first cultural festival that is being organized in Timor-Leste and it is uniquely important for Timorese culture and unity”.

He said this festival is the biggest cultural event that is being held outside of Dili. The winner of the festival will receive prize money of $2000.

Ramelau, as the mountain is the symbol of pride and unity to the people of Timor-Leste. The Nobel Peace Laureate said that, "Mount Ramelau has been a silent witness to everything that occurred in the County and therefore is an integral part of the Timorese National Insignia."
President Ramos Horta thanked the Prime Minster and the various ministries for their support towards the festival and acknowledged the contribution and support of Conoco Philips and Timor Telecom the US Embassy afor their contribution to the event.
The festival is a part of the President’s initiative ‘on Dili – City of Peace’, campaign, which aims at promoting and establishing peace and unity in the Country. After the 2006 violence President office still run a campaign to end the violence in East Timor. President office also plan for a sport tournament in Dili in the near Future. There many participants from each 13 districts in East Timor. Each Districts wearing their own tais as identic to their cultures and presented two songs to promote the national unity and peace.