The Guantanamo, Cuba Kite Festival

An HT photo feature

HAVANA TIMES, March 21 — At just past 9:00 in the morning, as I was approaching the central square in Guantanamo City, what caught my attention was a large number of children running back and forth.

The kids had their colorful kites soaring high up in the air, some with abstract shapes and patterns, and others that were well defined in the design of the Cuban national flag.

The Kite Festival, sponsored by the local recreation center, along with the support of the community, involves all children from 2 to 4 years old.

“Here the children learn everything. The get to play, learn about sports, attend educational talks, practice gymnastics, create things and make their own kites using the most traditional materials and techniques.

It’s a place to have a great time,” said Zoila Rodriguez, one of the teachers in charge of the activity.

The first months of the year are a period when the wind blows hardest, which is taken advantage of not only by the participants in the festival, but also by other children and adults from the same communities. From the street or perched on roofs they make their kites take to the air.

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