Having established the consensus that the first thing to save is culture, the question arises: how to do it? Based on that question and the commitment of a sector that -as stated by the member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz- has been “a pillar of the cultural and political resistance of the Revolution,” the balance of the work carried out by the Ministry of Culture in the year 2024 was articulated.
Presided over by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the analysis insisted on priorities such as stimulating artistic and literary creation with a decolonizing sense; ensuring the protection of heritage and the preservation of historical memory; as well as encouraging the participation of all segments of the population in cultural activities.
Also highlighted were the use of science, technology and innovation; the comprehensive training of artistic education students; the efficiency of economic, financial and administrative management; and the development of capacities to manage income.
The Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso Grau, addressed the need for the programming of artistic talent to respond to the country’s cultural policy, both at the national level and in each territory, and in state and private centers; and to rigorously ensure its quality.
He also said that, although progress has been made in greater spaces for dialogue with creators, it is necessary to deepen that exchange; and to unite them in a permanent vindication of Cuba in order to, besides facing cultural colonization, fight against fascism.

In the balance, it was also assured that the institutional framework cannot turn its back to the artistic expressions that have emerged in conjunction with new technologies, but rather attend to them; and that the battle cannot be against a specific phenomenon, but rather against indecency, discrimination and vulgarity.
The community space as the epicenter of culture was strongly defended: bringing professional talent to the neighborhoods, and ensuring that all major events include activities in the communities, with the presence of teachers and students of artistic education, were among the keys shared.
The president of Casa de las Americas, Abel Prieto, explained that we are engaged in a battle of ideas and feelings and, therefore, it is unavoidable to create a critical climate against any concession to cultural colonialism. Fortunately, we have José Martí and Fidel, whose legacies will prevent us from falling into extreme nationalism, because Homeland is also humanity, he said.
At the meeting, which was also attended by the vice chief of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Party, Marydé Fernández López, and Vice Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh, Marrero Cruz recognized the efforts of writers, artists and workers in the sector to preserve the identity and strengthen social cohesion, as well as to put culture on high, keeping it alive and developing; and emphasized aspects such as legal and financial protection to artists, vigilance in the care of heritage, and support for the teaching of history.

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.

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