Celebrating Cuba Culture Day

By Irina Echarry, photos: Caridad & Elio Delgado

HAVANA TIMES, Oct. 22 – October 20 is a special day for the Cuban people.  It is said that on this date in 1869, the national hymn was sung for the first time in a street in the eastern city of Bayamo.

Beyond forced interpretations or the manipulation of history, most people born on this island truly respect Cuban Culture Day – wherever they are.

On this occasion, the principal site selected for this celebration is Pavilion Cuba, the headquarters of the Hermanos Saíz Asociation (AHS), on 23rd Street in the Vedado district of the capital.

Having started on October 17, and running through October 24, a week of activities organized by the Ministry of Culture and AHS is unfolding from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

Books sales start at 4:30 p.m., while at 5:00 encounters begin with cultural personalities, literary coffee shops, and performances by trova musicians.

On Thursday, October 22, the public will have an opportunity to share experiences with Alfredo Guevara, the founder of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC).

In the mornings, children have a number of alternative activities to choose from, such as shows by the National Circus of Cuba and performances by the theater groups La Salamandra, Teatro Viajero and Rompetacones.

Simultaneously, the Pavilion Cuba conference room has been converted into a movie theater where kids can enjoy cartoons and music videos produced by ICAIC.

For these visitors, coloring books and comics are also being provided, including the emblematic Cuban children’s book “El cochero azul” (The Blue Coachman), by Dora Alonso.

In addition to books, people visiting the exhibition center will be able to acquire works of art, enjoy the openings of exhibitions by important Cuban visual artists, and attend concerts that will wind up each of the evenings. Singer-songwriter Santiago Feliú will perform on October 22, as well as David Blanco (Oct. 23) and the group Moncada (Oct. 24).

On Wednesday night, October 20, acclaimed pianist Chucho Valdes offered a memorable concert.  The public felt united with this personality of Cuban culture through the magic that he displayed on piano.  Among other guests were Beatriz Marquez, Germán Velasco, and the female singing group Sexto Sentido.

On the closing day, October 24, Adalberto Alvarez will appear in the evening at the Jose Marti Anti-imperialist Forum for the lovers of the best of Cuban salsa.

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