Havana, September 7 (RHC)-- The Havana Historian’s Office launched a campaign over the weekend as tribute to Cuban intellectual Eusebio Leal Spengler on the 79th anniversary of his birth, to be celebrated on September 11th.

The campaign running through September 17th, includes cultural, educational, social and environmental actions.

Magda Resik Aguirre, communications director, explained that the aim is to honor and continue the legacy of Eusebio, who as head of the Office devoted his life and energies to both, restoration works in Old Havana and social work in the local community.

Perla Rosales, acting director of the Havana Historian’s Office, said on September 17th the Carlos Rafael Rodríguez Polytechnic Institute will be inaugurated, in a totally refurbished building. She explained that since Leal did not like birthday parties, the celebration on his birthday, beginning this year, will take place every September, will last several days, each time marked by the inauguration of a new social work.

Katia Cárdenas, cultural manager mentioned other highlights of this year’s first celebration.On September 11th, the Banda Nacional de Conciertos will perform at the City Museum –formerly the Captain Generals. The ceremony will serve also to award the first edition of the Eusebio Leal Spengler History Prize.

The colloquium ‘Pensar la cultura desde la comunidad’ will also take place to reflect on culture and heritage management in Old Havana and its main challenges.

Other activities include book launchings, film and communication debates, community work, photography and drawing exhibitions, fashion shows and concerts like the one singer-songwriter Liuba María Hevia will perform at Belen Convent.

Throughout his life, Eusebio Leal Spengler devoted to restoration works in Old Havana –declared World Heritage site by Unesco in 1982. He is also the author of several works on history, culture, restoration works and other issues.

Eusebio received several prizes, medals and recognitions from institutions, universities and organizations from around the world. He was named Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations in 1996.