Rumba Declared a Cultural Heritage of Cuba

HAVANA TIMES, Feb 16 — Cuban rumba was officially declared a national cultural heritage, in a ceremony held on Wednesday at the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), reported the Prensa Latina news agency.

UNEAC president Miguel Barnet made the announcement in the company of collaborators, researchers and proponents of that music and dance style.

This is the first musical style on the island to be recognized in the category. Currently, the only other music-related inclusion on the list is the “tres” – a three pair stringed guitar-like instrument.

Cuba previously proposed that UNESCO recognize readings in cigar-rolling factories and repentismo (a poetic singing style) for placement on the world heritage list, and now it’s suggesting that rumba be added.