Vientiane, October 2023. At the Cuban diplomatic headquarters, Cuban Ambassador Enna Viant Valdés recalled the significance of the month of October for all Cubans and friends who feel Cuba in their blood, and mentioned two important events: the beginning of our independence struggles and the vibrant notes of our national anthem, which were sung for the first time.
These two fundamental events mark the reaffirmation of Cuban national identity and culture. "In the most beautiful and solemn hour of our country, the dormant decorum in the breasts of men was raised...", our National Hero José Martí would say, years later.
More than five centuries of history accumulate an incomparable wealth of oral tradition and artistic and literary manifestations that, together with symbols, representative figures and historical facts, make the largest of the Antilles a cultural ajiaco with a very peculiar flavor.
Diverse, rebellious, colorful and mestizo, Cuban culture leaves no one indifferent, we all enjoy those influences that aborigines, Spaniards, Africans, Chinese and others bequeathed to us.
October 20 is a day of celebration, but also of evocation and reaffirmation of our identity.
On this occasion, the Cuban Ambassador remembered one of the leading figures of our history and culture: José Martí. His project of liberation and independence set the tone for revolutionary action and literature in Latin America. He was one of the initiators, in prose and verse, of the modernist movement, becoming one of the most translated authors internationally.
His thought, committed and virtuous, is essential for all generations at all times. In his concept of "Being cultured is the only way to be free," Martí explains the need for men to educate themselves, not only as an instruction, but also as a formative of conscience of the good.
Finally, he affirmed that the celebration of the Day of Cuban Culture is a party to make vows and also celebrate the commitment of all Cubans to preserve their essence, diversity and own colors.
Present at the Cuban Embassy were the Vice President as well as the Vice Dean of the Lao National University, Mr. Sinthavone Dalavong and Mr. Mixay Soukchaleurn respectively, professors and students, participants in the "Our Friend Marti" Contest, the Head of the Europe America Division of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Party officials, and directors of the Cuban-Laos Association.
Embassy of Cuba