Bienvenido Menorca – LBI’s Cultural Exchange With Mediterranean Twin Menorca is celebrated throughout LBI as a sister island with several projects to help discover the similarities between these vibrant communities.

Written By Lori A Pepenella, CDME With content from Janet Greco www.islandadvisor.com

Sharing the same latitude on the world ten highlighting the community based globe, Menorca and Long Beach Island partnership that spans the sea. has a distinctive island culture. Rich in In the beginning of December represen- history and tradition, the initial exchange tatives Janet Greco and Lluc Pallejà, from was launched May 2012 to create a syn- Menorca, will make a presentation about ergy of culture and ideas which has en- the sister island relationship between Long couraged a pen pal relationship with LBI Beach Island and the Spanish Mediter- School and Menorca School Systems ranean island of Menorca. The informal and was kicked off with a live tele press and informative session was organized conference introducing children to new by islandadvisor.com with the support of languages and cultures. Over the sum- the Southern Ocean Country Chamber mer a visit to the Vacation Club Fiesta of Commerce and the LBI Region Des- Week at St Francis and the beginning of a tination Marketing Organization. It will spiritual exchange between local parishes not only provide an overview of the Sister also strengthened the communities. Most Islands project and island similarities; but popular was the response to the culinary will also showcase the culture, history and contribution at the 24th Annual Chow- traditions around the amazing equestrian derfest with a Rias Baixas Clam Chow- fiestas that take place annually in Menor- der recipe sent from a chef in Menorca. ca. The enjoyable session will not only be This local specialty’s measurements was educational and visually vibrant and took converted for US connoisseurs includes place at the Long Beach Island Branch of bacon, ripe tomatoes, white wine and the Ocean County Library on December Little Neck Clams and was handed out 5. The focus of the morning will be the to patrons of the two day festival. The timely topic of the Holiday Fiestas taking recipe as well as a world of information is place on Menorca; which is the second available on islandadvisor.com, the por- largest of the four . tal website to the cultural exchange that One Fiesta is The Fiesta de provides breathtaking photos, events and which is celebrated every year at the sum- tourism news for both islands. One of the mer equinox in the ancient town of Ciut- most interesting things that have devel- adella. This is the most exciting of all the oped through this exchange is the interest European fiestas, The Sant Joan provides it has brought from Spanish and interna- an unforgettable mix of awe, emotion, tional news with dozens of articles writ- spectacle and danger. When the magnifi- 12 Out & About Photo Credit: Beach Cala Turqueta – Menorca Photo Credit: Beach Cala Turqueta Beach Cala Turqueta – Menorca cent Menorquin horses and their riders dramatic photography and painter Josep begin their ceremonial circuits around Moncada are well represented in this ex- both city and countryside; engaging in change through the islandadvisor web- the medieval games of jousting. Learn site. It is the call to local Ocean County the legend of the barefoot peasant and and LBI Regional artists to represent the his entourage and why they visit selected area on the NJ side of this global site. houses in the town. But underlying the The first arts and crafts exchange project spectacle is a rich history, filled with re- is planned for Summer 2013 with an ex- ligious customs and a wealth preserved hibition of jewelry design by Nuria Deya traditions with a formality and respect at Gallery 100 on LBI and the work of that is still revered, but which is perhaps LBI jewelry artist Jay Mann in Menorca. beginning to be lost to modern times. Menorca artists and crafters are invited Recognizing the value of each island’s it participate in LBI Art Fest with Town own holiday history, customs music and officials from Ciutadella providing access culinary traditions, it is easy to see how to public spaces and conferences for LBI the basis of a cultural exchange was easily art. formed. There is so much more to relate The common bond of art, history and to. The islands share the love of art, with regional pride has started this symbolic the LBI artists and crafters group who sisterhood. Plans are in the works for a have found a home with displays and ex- Spanish Shipwreck trail through the NJ hibits in Menorca. It is the hope of this Museum of Maritime History in Beach exchange to raise awareness of the visual Haven and classes at the Long Beach arts and crafts which is a primary export Island Foundation of the Arts and Sci- for both areas. The Mediterranean -in ences in Loveladies. The exchange hopes spiration of Spanish artists such as Santi to bring visitors from Menorca to Long Capo specializing in precious metal and Beach Island for a closer look, and en- stones as well as small sculptures, Nuria courage residents on to find more ways to Deya’s silver and gold jewelry, Cisco Moll Welcome Menorca on LBI. Out & About 13