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Sister City Blog Series: Morelia, México

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A Brief History of the Morelia-Kansas City Sister City Partnership Morelia, a charming city nestled in the heart of Mexico, is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history. In 1973, it forged a special bond with Kansas City, marking the beginning of a fruitful sister city partnership. Strengthening Ties and Community Engagement Over the years, delegations from both cities have visited each other, fostering strong relationships between government officials, businesses, and community members. Collaborative projects have included: Musical Exchanges : Inviting talented musicians from Morelia to perform in Kansas City and vice versa. Both cities share a deep appreciation for music and the arts. In 2017, Morelia was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, joining Kansas City in this prestigious honor. This shared passion has led to numerous cultural exchanges, including musical performances, film festivals, and educational programs. Cultural Festivals : Organizing film festivals and...

Sister City Blog Series: Kurashiki, Japan

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  A Brief History of Kurashiki, Japan Kurashiki, a charming city in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, boasts a rich history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, it flourished as a trading port, with merchants transporting goods along the Takahashi River. The city's prosperity led to the construction of numerous traditional warehouses, many of which still stand today.   The Meiji period (1868-1912) brought significant industrialization to Kurashiki, particularly in the textile industry. This era saw the rise of wealthy merchant families who commissioned the construction of elegant Western-style residences.   Kurashiki & Kansas City Parallels While Kurashiki and Kansas City are vastly different in terms of size, culture, and history, they share some interesting parallels: Industrial Heritage : Both cities have a strong industrial heritage. Kansas City's rise was fueled by railroads and meatpacking, while Kurashiki's prosperity was driven by textil...

Sister Cities Blog Series: Seville, Spain

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A Timeless Bond: The Story of Kansas City and First Sister City Seville, Spain For nearly six decades, the cities of Kansas City, Missouri, and Seville, Spain, have shared a unique and enduring bond. This sister city relationship, one of the oldest in the United States, has brought about wonderful cultural exchanges, enriching educational opportunities, and exciting artistic collaborations The foundation of this partnership was established during the 1992 Seville Expo. As the only American city invited to participate, Kansas City showcased its vibrant culture and innovative spirit. This shared experience ignited a connection that has continued to flourish. A Visionary Developer and a Timeless City The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is a remarkable example of Spanish architectural influence, directly inspired by the city of Seville, and their Plaza de España. This connection, forged during the early 20th century, has left an enduring mark on the Plaza's design and character. ...

Fall Social and All Members Meeting

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On October 20th, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm, members and chairs of the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City had a wonderful social gathering and meeting at the Loose Park Garden Center for all members. It was a great pleasure to see over thirty of us gather together and attend. We enjoyed spending time together, discussing our ongoing projects, and reflecting on everything we've accomplished in 2024. The event featured delicious food prepared by the chairs of the committee's cities, and we concluded with an awards ceremony. We took the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible dedication of Traute Kohler to the Hannover committee, express our gratitude to Melinda Minks for her many years of support to our association, and extend our heartfelt appreciation to Joan Pu, our beloved secretary. To those who were unable to attend, you were missed, and we want you to know that we deeply appreciate your continued support. Warm regards, Julia Gargallo

Tapas from Spain Cooking & Tasting Experience at The Kansas City Museum

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On the afternoon of October 13, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, the Seville, Spain Committee of the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City, in partnership with Carolina Belmonte, hosted a culinary and educational event showcasing traditional Spanish cuisine at the Kansas City Museum. The price for the class was $65 per person, and included the cooking class, the meal, and an amazing experience. All available seats were filled, and the program extended for an additional hour, allowing guests to sample more of the prepared dishes and take home Spanish souvenirs and gifts. Guests were able to enjoy: Spanish Sangria Tapas: Traditional Bread with Tomato, Spanish cheese and Jamon Serrano, Gazpacho (Cold tomato & vegetables soup), Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish Tortilla), Empanada gallega (Dough filled with vegetables, tuna and egg), Datiles con bacon (Dates with bacon), and Paella Dessert: Tarta de Santiago (Almond Cake), Tarta de la Vina (Cheesecake), Coffee (cortado, bombon, carajillo)...