Cuba is expanding wildly. Cubans can be found almost everywhere on five continents. Those who emigrate in this way, leaving many family members behind, are not all against their country’s government. They emigrate mainly for economic reasons, to support their families who remain there by sending them remittances every month, or simply to improve their living conditions by working in these countries that are not subject to a cruel economic system. and trading system like Cuba has been known for more than sixty years.
The families displaced in this way can no longer be counted. Almost all of them have one of their members – son, daughter, father, mother, cousins, nieces or nephews, uncle, aunt or grandparents – who works outside the country and very often becomes a lifeline for those left behind. Some emigrate legally to countries that do not require an entry visa, such as Russia, where there is currently a large Cuban diaspora. Others choose riskier paths because they are tired of waiting for approval from US authorities who do not hesitate to promote the “American dream”. The latter risk being sent back to their country, nothing more, if US immigration officials discover them entering the territory of the “democratic paradise” without a visa.
Good Sport, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Cuba organize from November 2 to 12, 2023 the 2nd Cultural Festival with the participation of Cuban artists residing abroad from fourteen countries: Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Hungary, Italy, Mexico , Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Spain and the United States. The theme of this festival: “Cuba goes with me”.
Photo courtesy of Jacques Lanctôt
This will be the opportunity for a great cultural mix where Cuban artists and intellectuals living outside the socialist island can share their art and practice with other artists living in Cuba as well as with the general public. All artistic disciplines will be present. Some concerts will be broadcast in “non-face-to-face” mode, which can be viewed on the YouTube channel CREARTV.
Exhibitions by internationally known painters are offered in various art galleries in Havana as well as the Museum of Fine Arts. Writers, poets, novelists and essayists present their latest works; A selection of films about immigration is being shown in a cinema in the Centro Habana district, including the touching Miel para Oshún by the great director Humberto Solás. Renowned Cuban contemporary and folk dance companies will perform on various stages alongside foreign dancers. Jazz, lyrical songs, flamenco and traditional music are also on the program. In short, there will be something for everyone to reaffirm that art connects and knows no boundaries.
Photo courtesy of Jacques Lanctôt
20th edition of the Havana Theater Festival
The 20th Havana Theater Festival will take place from November 11th to 19th. Founded in 1980, the festival takes place every two years, with the exception of the years of the Covid-19 pandemic. As is often the case with such events, the stages are diverse, allowing people from the outskirts to familiarize themselves with this living art, a reflection of Cuban society, and to interest new target groups. France, Costa Rica, Spain, Colombia and Argentina will present one or more works. In addition, the public has the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences where playwrights explain their artistic approaches.
Photo courtesy of Jacques Lanctôt
No to the blockade against Cuba
For the 31st time, this Thursday the General Assembly of the United Nations approved by an overwhelming majority – 187 in favor, 2 against (USA and Israel) and 1 abstention (Ukraine) – the motion presented by Cuba that calls for the end of the United States’ economy -, trade and financial blockade against Cuba. It must be remembered that this is a symbolic resolution, since it has no binding force, so that the United States can continue to apply this murderous blockade that has caused and continues to cause so much suffering to the Cuban people, of which more than 80% of the population has not yet experienced what it is like to live without a blockade. Further proof that Cuba is not alone and isolated.
Photo courtesy of Jacques Lanctôt
187 yes votes, 2 no votes and one abstention
