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 other events to showcase the rich cultural heritage of both cities. An annual Latin American Cinema Festival was held in Kansas City from 1992 to 2017 in collaboration with Sociedad Hidalgo, a Hispanic cultural organization.

Community Service: Other notable activities include donations of school and office supplies, as well as toys, to the Celeste Batel School for visually impaired children in Morelia; donating 40 new uniforms to the Morelia Fire Department; and collaborating with the Kansas City Police Department on the Intensive Language and Cultural Immersion Program, which was unfortunately terminated due to budget constraints.

Public Art: Gifting the iconic "Las Tarascas" fountain to Kansas City as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two cities.


A Shared Future

As the Morelia-Kansas City sister city partnership continues to grow, it strives to bring even more opportunities for cultural exchange, economic development, and community engagement. By working together, these two vibrant cities can create a brighter future for generations to come.



Learn more at https://www.kcsistercities.org/.

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