‘Santiago de Cuba, 500 years of history and culture,’ was the name of the artistic and cultural gala with which Santiagueros celebrated the 500th anniversary of their city in Céspedes Plaza on Friday evening.

Broadcast by Cubavisión and Cubavisión Internacional TV Channels and Progreso radio station, the gala reviewed important moments in the history of the city that led to the 1959 victory of the Cuban Revolution. 267 performers participated in the gala, including 265 from Santiago de Cuba, and renowned Cuban pianist, Frank Fernández, who payed tribute to late Cuban revolutionary heroine, Vilma Espín, and outstanding poet, Waldo Leyva, recited his poem Para una definición de la ciudad (For a Definition of the City).

Santiago de Cuba performers included the famous Orfeón Santiago and Madrigalista Choirs and singer Fátima Patterson. Also participating were the Oriente and Kokoyé Folk Ensembles, the Santiago Ballet Company, the Enrique Bonne Drum Band, la Tumba Francesa La Caridad de Oriente Dance Company and others. The municipal concert band accompanied all performers during the gala which wound up with the largest and best fireworks show ever Santiago de Cuba at the recently Paseo Marítimo or Maritime Promenade by the ocean.