Category Archives: Cuban Culture

Cuban Culture

More than 125,000 activities of all artistic manifestations are planned all over Cuba

Culture is active in Summer Mode

More than 125,000 activities of all artistic manifestations are planned to take over squares, theaters and streets all over Cuba

Author:  | internet@granma.cu

june 28, 2024 08:06:32

Photo: Juvenal Balán

Summer is approaching and, with it, the most hectic time when it comes to celebrations. Families get together, plan their vacations, enjoy their loved ones and the free time this is the most awaited time of the year for most people, and many institutions in the country are joining in to offer recreational spaces to the population.
Under the slogan “Summer Mode”, the Ministry of Culture announced the vast plan of activities of all kinds that will be carried out during the months of July and August, which will reach the 168 municipalities of the country. In spite of the difficult economic situation the country is going through, the program will reach the most remote villages of the island, bringing love, culture and entertainment to its inhabitants.
More than 125,000 activities of all artistic manifestations are planned to take over Cuba’s squares, theaters and streets. Among these activities, there will be more than 80 events convened at the institutional, municipal, provincial and national levels, mostly aimed at rural, vulnerable or mountainous communities, with the purpose of satisfying emotional needs through art, also in areas that can be very difficult to reach.
Tours, concerts by professional groups, theatrical presentations, exhibitions, fairs, contests and workshops are just some of the proposals that will be available to the public, in most cases completely free of charge.
Among the tours scheduled are those of the National Circus of Cuba, La Colmenita Children’s Company, Cándido Fabré, Haila María Mompié, Arnaldo y su Talismán, Will Campa and Alexander Abreu. The grand kick-off of the summer day will be held jointly in all the country’s municipalities tomorrow, June 29, with presentations of casino wheels and dancers of the genre in the main squares and parks of each place.

Art will take to the streets to enjoy the summer Photo: Endrys Correa Vaillant
Cuban Culture

Haydee Santamaria Medal to Allice Walker

winning, from deep cultural roots

Alice Walker, the famous American writer and tenacious activist, received at Casa de las Americas, by Presidential Decree, the Haydee Santamaría Medal

Author:  | nacionales@granma.cu

february 1, 2024 11:02:06

In a friendship meeting between Cuban and American artists and writers at Casa de las Americas, the Minister of Culture Elpidio Alonso presents the Haydee Santamaria Medal to Allice Walker. Photo: Ismael Batista

To the example of that young Haydee who, before her brother’s torn eyes, said that if he had not spoken, she would not speak either, and she did not speak, alluded the writer and activist Alice Walker, just moments after receiving, this Wednesday, at Casa de las Americas, the Haydee Santamaria Medal, which was awarded to her by Presidential Decree.

“Haydee’s attitude is a reference to move forward in these times,” said the author of The Color Purple, and also confessed to feeling fortunate to have come so many times to Cuba and to see that the nation does not give up. Her people and their dreams will be eternal, “we will go forward and we will triumph,” she said.

Among the reasons put forward to distinguish Walker with this medal -at the proposal of the Cuban Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso- were mentioned the permanent claim of the Pulitzer Prize winner for the end of the U.S. blockade of the island; and her work in the links with our people, based on brotherhood and solidarity in the cultural and political spheres.

Likewise, the merits of her literary works were highlighted, in which she has honestly addressed the issues of racial and gender inequality.

Before the delegation of around 70 Americans visiting the country, related to the progressive cultural organization Busboys and Poets, based in Washington, the poet and essayist Nancy Morejon, National Literature Award, highlighted Walker’s indomitable character, and his life dedicated to the struggle for a better world and understanding among peoples.

On the occasion, she also praised Walker’s influence on Cuban writers through his literature and his civil commitment; and his long years of dedication to the Palestinian cause.

“Alice is at home, the home of all”, said Nancy, who added that this was not just a simple meeting, because both peoples are a family, and that is precisely the concretion of the Casa’s cultural project.

The visitors received a wide explanation of the programs and lines of the institution, through some of its professionals and collaborators; among them, Luisa Campuzano, Zuleica Romay and Víctor Fowler. The Minister of Culture and Abel Prieto, president of Casa de las Americas, were in the auditorium.

Fidel’s legacy, literacy and the cultural battle, and the relationship with Puerto Rico, transcended in the dialogue, in which members of the delegation asked how they could help break down barriers.

Jaime Gomez, vice president of that cultural center, urged them to consider themselves part of the Casa’s endeavors, for as Haydee said, the real workers there are the artists of the continent

Cuban Culture

Poetry is common good; we cannot allow expression be overwhelmed by fascist ideas, said Cuban poetess Nancy Morejon

Expression cannot be Overwhelmed by Fascist Ideas
CUBANEW/ACN
07 JUNE 2023
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Havana, June 6 (ACN) Poetry is common good; we cannot allow expression be overwhelmed by fascist ideas, said Cuban poetess Nancy Morejon in Paris during the literary forum “Poetry is my Flag”, as part of her denunciation of recent harassment against her.

In a statement uploaded to social media, the Cuban National Literature Laureate defended Cuban culture and condemned hatred-motivated messages against poetry, masked behind an allege defense of freedom of expression.

In the presence of intellectuals, poets and friends of Cuba in Paris, Morejon recalled the legacy of great figures of Cuban poetry such as Nicolas Guillen, Ruben Martinez Villena and Fina Garcia Marruz.

The outstanding Cuban writer received from renowned poet Francis Conde a letter signed by over 300 poets and intellectuals condemning the harassment she faced by hatred-motivated circles, who influenced the revocation of her position as president of honor of the 40th Paris 2023 Poetry Market event.

Cuban Culture

The Havana International Book Fair

The Havana International Book Fair is here
To the delight of the Cuban family, Cone of the most awaited cultural events in Cuba and which every year is well attended by the population, especially by young people and children, has begun.

Author: Radio Habana Cuba | internet@granma.cu

february 10, 2023 11:02:05



Photo: Ariel Cecilio Lemus
To the delight of the Cuban family, the Havana International Book Fair, one of the most awaited cultural events in Cuba and which every year is well attended by the population, especially by young people and children, has begun.
With Colombia as guest of honor, the literary festival in its 31st edition opens its doors in the Cuban capital at its traditional venue in the historic-military Morro-Cabaña complex.
But as usual, in order to facilitate citizens’ access to the latest literary events, the Fair also extends to other venues such as the downtown Cuba Pavilion, Havana’s historic center, Casa de las Americas and the Rancho Boyeros fairgrounds.
The fair began in 1982, first held biannually, but in 2000 it became an annual event, an initiative that was very well received by literature lovers. It was in 1998 when it had for the first time a guest of honor, Mexico.
The event has established itself in recent years as one of the most important in Latin America and the Caribbean, attended by exhibitors from all over the world, eager to show what is being done in literary matters in their countries.
In addition to being an ideal space for the exchange between entities and professionals linked to the world of publications.
In a great effort, given the difficult economic conditions of the country, more than four million printed copies of 4,200 titles and 1,000 works in digital format have been guaranteed for this new edition.
Cubans will have the opportunity on this occasion to broaden their knowledge of Colombian literature, which is very close to our country thanks to Nobel Literature Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez, a great friend of the Greater of the Antilles.
Colombia is attending with a delegation made up of writers, publishers and academics from the different regions of its territory to showcase its cultural diversity.
Colombian authorities have expressed their gratitude for the invitation, which, they said, makes it possible to highlight the importance of culture in achieving the total peace promoted by President Gustavo Petro.
The Cuban public will also be able to learn more about the sister nation through other artistic manifestations. They will be able to enjoy the performance of the Enkelé group, made up of women who seek to build a better country through art and the dissemination of folklore. Likewise, Colombian short and feature films will be screened during the Havana meeting.
On the 19th, the fair will close its doors in Havana, but as part of the revolution’s policy of bringing culture to all, it will begin its tour throughout the rest of the country
The Havana International Book Fair occupies a place of preference among Cubans, who flock to the fair in search of new titles of all genres to broaden their literary horizons.

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