Celebrating
our Sister Cities In 1956, in an effort to lessen the chance of future world
conflicts, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed a people-to-people program
between the United States and other nations that would involve people and organized
groups at all levels of society. The program was originally housed under the National
League of Cities. This became Sister Cities International in 1967. It was one
of President Eisenhower’s most popular programs. The goal of the
program was to promote international cultural exchanges between cities, similar
in their demography, but very dissimilar in their culture, language and tastes.
To adopt these cities as a partner in trade and cultural exchanges that enrich,
educate and entertain the residents of both cities, creating a bond that extends
beyond borders and removes barriers to international peace and understanding. Coral
Gables embarked on the Sister Cities Program not long after it was established.
The first city chosen for cultural exchange was Cartagena, Colombia in 1957 and
focused mainly on cultural exchange. The enthusiasm extended into the creation
of a new plaza in the City of Coral Gables. A monument to our commitment to our
Sister City was permanently erected as a round- about at the intersection of LeJeune
Road, Old Cutler Drive, Sunset Drive and Coco Plum and christened Cartagena Plaza.
Sister Cities Program and The Merrick Festival. Even
as City Founder George Merrick was in the beginning stages of creating Coral Gables,
he dreamed of it as an international destination, inspired by the great Mediterranean
cities and serving as a gateway to the Americas. Today, Merrick's dream has come
true. Not only is the City Beautiful a thriving, multi-cultural community, it
also serves as the cultural and economic gateway to the Latin America region.
The Merrick Festival celebrates the art and culture of our community with
an annual series of events designed to reflect the original intent of George Merrick's
master plan for the city. Based on an appreciation of classic architecture and
design, as well as the City Beautiful movement, Coral Gables was envisioned as
an idyllic community where fine culture might flourish. The Sister Cities
program, administered by the Mayor's office, seeks to establish and encourage
interaction with communities around the world through the exchange of cultural
and economic opportunities. The Merrick Festival offers an opportunity for the
Sister Cities program to invite these kindred communities to share their unique
cultures with our citizens as we celebrate the origins of our city. Firmly
establishing Coral Gables as an international city that embraces and respects
other cultures, the Merrick Festival and the Sister Cities program can work together
to concentrate our efforts to promote our city as a premiere destination for international
tourism, business opportunities and political interaction. As our reciprocal
relationship with our Sister Cities implies, we invite representatives of local
government, business and artistic talent to share their culture during this celebration,
further opening windows of appreciation and interaction between our communities.
As a showcase for artists, performers and culinary professionals, the festival
delights in presenting the brightest talent and most noteworthy aspects of these
cultures while encouraging travelers from these foreign lands to visit our city
and join the celebration. These events also offer a valuable opportunity for Sister
Cities to make a fine impression on members of our community with the intention
of allowing our citizens to become familiar with their regions, while encouraging
travel and business opportunities abroad. The synergy of the Merrick Festival
and the Sister Cities initiative will have a positive and lasting effect on the
reputation of Coral Gables as a truly international city that actively encourages
and promotes positive opportunities to interact with others on a global scale. Since
the start of the Sister Cities Program, the scope of these relationships has expanded
to advance understanding through educational and economic links as well. Consider
just the cultural impact of Sister Cities. Some of Coral Gables' often overlooked
cultural treasures will be brought into the spotlight and shared with international
audiences, right here in Coral Gables. Likewise, some wonderful international
treasures will be shared with us. Art exhibits, musicians, dance troupes, sporting
events, food, and other realms of historical and popular culture are all fair
game. The Sister Cities Celebration creates opportunities for people to explore
other cultures through long-term municipal partnerships. | 
