London, 20 October. - The Cuban Embassy in the UK celebrated the Day of the Cuban Culture with a cultural evening at London's emblematic Bolivar Hall.
Cuba's ambassador to London, Bárbara Montalvo, said that by marking the Cuban Culture Day on 20th October, the date when the National Anthem was sung for the very first time, we were celebrating the highest and most genuine expression of our national culture.
The diplomat underscored the indissoluble link in our history between culture and the defence of the homeland, as culture is the shield and sword of the nation. Furthermore, she recalled that the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, said in 1992, when many wondered whether Cuba would survive, that culture was the first thing we must save.
At the event, a film about Cuban culture was shown and UK-based Cuban violinist Omar Puente, performed several pieces of Cuba's musical repertoire, solo and then accompanied by Colombian guitarist Cesar Rodriguez.
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The function was attended by H.E. Mr. Ivan Romero, Honduran Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, ambassadors and diplomats accredited in London, Cuban residents in the UK, academics, trade-unionists, members of the solidarity and representatives of British political forces.