BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH Cuba being the featured country at thise year’s Latin Festival, an intimate observance luncheon was held yesterday (Oct. 20) to commemorate that country’s National Cultural Day.
The event was held at the Dominica Room of the St. Marriott where dignitaries and diplomats were on hand to share in the observance.
A sumptuous lunch was served and enjoyed with chilled beverages and enlightening conversation, punctuated with bouts of laughter.
Before that portion of the event however, Entertainment Manager of the Latin Festival Committee, Cuban national Aiduleik Rodriguez gave the guests a brief history lesson.
He said on October 20, 1868, it was the first time that Cuba’s national anthem, La Bayamesa, was heard.
“As part of our festival agenda, an important day (such as this) cannot pass unnoticed. We are in the presence of representatives of the Cuban culture that bring to the island not only the skills and talent, but also the willingness to share with the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“During this seven years, the Latin Festival has incorporated new cultural expressions year after year, which identify each country and its similarities with the Caribbean. This is a week of cultural activities and entertainment. With a delegation of 31 artistes from Cuba, St. Kitts and Nevis is having so far a good taste of the Cuban culture.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Stanley Knight, in giving brief remarks, said the Ministry is honoured to partner with the Latin Festival.
Knight recalled that when he assumed the position of Permanent Secretary some months ago, one of the first things the Culture Minister said to him was that attention needed to be paid to the Latin Festival. He said with the help of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF), the Government was able to make a significant contribution.
Barbara Ramirez – representative of Cuba’s Ministry of Culture - also spoke at the event explaining that the 30-plus member delegation that is in St. Kitts for the Latin Festival “is proof of the deep ties that unite Cuba with the Caribbean”, both culturally and geographically.
She said when the Cuban national anthem was first heard on October 20, “It was one of the best important events of our country’s history.” And to recognize October 20 as Cuba’s National Culture Day is “to recognize first the essence of the Cuban roots and the culture of the people”.
The Latin Festival, which began late last week, featured arts and crafts exhibits, the showing of Cuban-directed/produced movies, a pantomime that took place last evening, a fashion show and the Latin Fiesta which will take place on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23).
