On the evening of Friday, October 18, 2024, the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations was the venue of an emotional gathering to commemorate the "Cuban Culture Day."
The celebration saw the participation of diplomats, including several ambassadors and representatives from various Permanent Missions to the UN. Also in attendance were members of the American society, mostly residents of New York City and nearby areas of New Jersey. The Cuban Mission's staff, including their children, were also present at this significant event.
Ambassador Yuri A. Gala López, Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the UN, welcomed the attendees and spoke about the importance of this patriotic commemoration, which invites reflection on the values, identity, and art that define the Cuban nation.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Gala López recalled that since last October 10, Cuba has been celebrating the "Cuban Culture Day" with a broad program of activities across the country. He pointed out that this year's celebration pays tribute to the 120th anniversary of the birth of the world-renowned writer Alejo Carpentier and the 65th anniversary of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), two fundamental pillars of national culture, and is also dedicated to art instructors. The Cuban diplomat mentioned that the program has included a wide range of activities in different regions of the country, highlighting art exhibitions, literary presentations, concerts, and film screenings.
As part of the evening's program at the Cuban Mission's headquarters, attendees had the privilege of enjoying a special concert by the multi-award-winning pianist, composer, and educator Arturo O’Farrill. His performance was enthusiastically received by everyone present, who praised the mastery and passion with which O’Farrill performed a selection of works encapsulating the spirit of Cuban culture. In addition, several audiovisuals were screened, symbolizing the occasion and reflecting the patriotism, cultural, artistic, and other components of the Caribbean nation.
The evening was an appropriate moment to reaffirm the role of culture as both the shield and sword of the Cuban nation.
Decree No. 70 of 1980 by the Cuban Council of Ministers established October 20 as the "Cuban Culture Day" in commemoration of October 20, 1868, the date when the Cuban people sang the National Anthem for the first time. Written by lawyer Perucho Figueredo and initially named La Bayamesa, it is considered a "song of full insurrection for liberation and the abolition of slavery (...), as well as the highest and most genuine expression and symbol of our national culture."
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the UN
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