CUBA 50 Celebrating Cuban Culture / OCTOBER 2021

All the latest cultural news from Cuba and what to see from the UK

Cuba celebrates its National Day of Culture October 20

This October Cuba celebrates its national day of culture with 10 days of cultural activities across the country, while covid-19 restrictions are gradually easing for cultural venues. This year the focus is the centenary of the birth of poet Cintio Vitier (one of the most influential scholars of Latin American literature), 35 years of the youth arts national organisation Hermanos Saiz (AHS), and 120 years of the Jose Marti national Library.

Find out more about the National Day of Culture below. Join a celebration from the UK livestreamed on Facebook @embacubauk 6pm UK time 20 October.

Casas de Cultura in Cuba: interview

"Empowering communities to access, consume and create culture".

The Vice President of the national network of 349 Casas de Cultura, community cultural centres, talks frankly about the aims, benefits and challenges of supporting community arts to grow in every part of the island.

Cuba marks 135 years since the abolition of slavery

Cuba commemorated 135 years since the abolition of slavery on the island. From the Museum of the Slavery Route in Matanzas writer Miguel Barnet called for "a more in-depth reading of Cuban history and society, to fully address the legacy of Africans and their descendants, where the economic and material component must not be ignored" and discussed the ongoing National Program against racism and discrimination.

Silvio Rodriguez wins award for contribution to community culture

Cuba's annual award for Community Culture recognizes the contributions in community cultural development. Singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez has won an award this year, together with a community theatre company and youth guitar orchestra.

Viva Cuba! the heart and soul of the nation - images by Cuban photographer Raúl Cañibano

A new book of black and white images, ‘Absolut Cuba’ taken over three decades, showcases Cuban photographer Raúl Cañibano’s love for his native country – see the images featured by The Guardian.

view images here

Try some Cuban coffee direct from the Sierra Maestra mountains

Altura Sierra Maestra Cuban coffee is grown in the high Sierra Maestra mountains of Eastern Cuba. Strong with a clean, rich soft flavour and hint of honey. Freshly ground, for all coffee makers, or coffee beans for your perfect grind.

browse here

UK EVENTS COMING UP

Ase-Ile Afro Lab dance weekend, 23-24 October, London and online

Led by Cuban dance teacher Damarys Farres and Hector Oviedo, former choreographer and dancer with Yoruba Andabo, this is 2 days of Afro-Cuban dance workshops and masterclasses, with online options, and ending in a celebration of music and dance. Book your place now!

Special screening: Buena Vista Social Club, 29 October, London

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Buena Vista album recording, catch this special screening of Wim Wenders' 1999 documentary about the Cuban musicians and their trip to the US to perform in New York. Followed by Q&A with album producer Nick Gold.

‘Extraordinary Cuba Part 2’ Havana-Glasgow Film Festival, 16-21 November

Now in its 7th year this showcase of Cuban cinema and culture is back this November, online and in person, with the new feature 'Castro's Spies', a focus on Cuban director Arturo Sotto, sustainability in Cuba and much more