Ottawa, October 20, 2026. — The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Canada celebrated Cuban Culture Day with a cultural ceremony and the opening of the exhibition “Miradas de Cuba: una travesía por su pintura” a journey through the richness, diversity, and enduring relevance of the island’s visual arts.
The date commemorates October 20, 1868, when, following the capture of Bayamo by Mambí troops under the command of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the people sang La Bayamesa for the first time. Composed by Pedro “Perucho” Figueredo, it eventually became Cuba’s National Anthem. Since 1980, the day has been celebrated as Cuban Culture Day.
A gathering of friendship and culture
The event brought together Canadian parliamentarians, representatives of government institutions, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ottawa, academics, journalists, artists, members of organizations in solidarity with Cuba, and members of the Cuban community residing in Canada.
Among the distinguished guests were Don Davies, parliamentary leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and Gabriel Ste-Marie, co-chair of the Canada–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group, along with other members of Parliament, senators, and officials.
Culture as a bridge between peoples
In his remarks, Cuba’s Ambassador to Canada, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, emphasized that Cuban culture is an “ajiaco”—a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences that gave rise to a unique national identity. He noted that music, dance, literature, poetry, cinema, and the visual arts express Cuba’s love of sovereignty, its creativity, and its profound sense of belonging.
The ambassador stressed that culture is a pillar of resistance and a bridge for dialogue with the world, particularly in a context marked by the intensification of the United States’ economic blockade against Cuba. “Cuba is not a threat; the blockade is,” he stated, reiterating that celebrating Cuban culture means defending creativity, resilience, and Cuba’s right to exist.
Malmierca also recalled the more than 80 years of uninterrupted relations between Cuba and Canada, based on cooperation and exchange, particularly in the human and cultural spheres. He acknowledged the contributions of Cuban artists who participate in festivals and events in Canada, as well as the Cuban community’s contribution to the country’s cultural diversity.
Proclamation by the City of Ottawa
As part of the celebration, it was announced that the City of Ottawa would issue a proclamation declaring October 20 Cuban Culture Day in the Canadian capital. The recognition highlights Cuba’s history, traditions, music, and arts, as well as the valuable contribution of the Cuban community to the cultural diversity of the capital.
The Embassy of Cuba received the proclamation with pride and gratitude, as an expression of friendship and respect for Cuba and its culture.
A window into Cuban painting
The exhibition “Glimpses of Cuba: A Journey Through Its Painting” brings together works by prominent artists from different generations, created in oil on canvas, watercolour, and ink drawing. The artists include major figures in Cuban visual arts such as Víctor Manuel, Eduardo Abela, René Portocarrero, and Wifredo Lam, alongside contemporary voices such as Michel Mirabal, Eberto Escobedo, Fayad Jamís, Nelson Domínguez, and Águedo Alonso.
The exhibition includes a special section devoted to the mural Así amanece en Cuba (This Is How Dawn Breaks in Cuba, 1978), by the legendary painter Servando Cabrera Moreno, created in the lobby of the Embassy itself. The mural, together with another untitled work included in the exhibition, represents an emblematic expression of the visual world of one of the great Cuban artists of the 20th century.
The evening was enlivened by musical and dance performances, including renditions of Idilio, Son de la loma, El carretero, and Guantanamera, performed by Cuban artists and groups.
“Miradas de Cuba” offers a window into the island’s history, culture, and creative spirit, with the aim of strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between Cuba and Canada.