Paris, May 29 (RHC)-- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has opened the fourth edition of the Week of Latin America and the Caribbean. The celebration aims to showcase the cultural heritage of the 33 countries members of UNESCO’s Latin America and the Caribbean Group. 

This latest edition is dedicated to women, as an expression of UNESCO's outstanding role in the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

The diverse program of activities includes numerous proposals from a Fair of Handicrafts and Tourism, a gastronomic exhibition with the typical dishes of regional countries to exhibitions of the cultural expressions from the region included on UNESCO's List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Fair goers can also taste Coca Leaf Mate from Bolivia, Tereré from Paraguay, Café from Haiti, Rum from Venezuela and the highly acclaimed Mojito from Cuba. 

During the Week of Latin America and the Caribbean, Cuba and UNESCO will launch the José Martí Prize. First given in 1995, the prize is designed to promote and reward an activity of outstanding merit, which in accordance with the ideals and spirit of the Cuban national hero, has contributed to the unity and integration of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and to the preservation of their identity, their cultural traditions and their historical values.