Santiago de Cuba, July 3 (RHC)-- The 41st edition of the International Festival of the Caribbean began Sunday and is running through July 9 as another celebration of the cultures of the peoples of the region.

After the pause imposed by Covid-19 in the last two years, which forced it to be held in the virtual modality and with little face-to-face activity, the Fiesta del Fuego resumes its broad artistic and academic program amid the negative impact of the world economic crisis.

Representatives from some 17 countries are participating, mainly as part of solidarity groups with Cuba from different latitudes, among which Puerto Ricans will have a special emphasis and will have their home at the headquarters of the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples.

The celebration is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Casa del Caribe, the institution that sponsors the festival; the four decades of the Septeto Turquino, and the 30th anniversary of the Estudio Teatral Macubá, three institutions with a remarkable impact in Cuba and in the eastern part of the country.

The members of the Tumba Francesa La Caridad de Oriente, declared by UNESCO Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, will also be recognized on its 160th anniversary as a living example of traditional popular culture.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the Heredia Theater. The Casa del Caribe International Award was presented to Dr. Eduardo Martinez, director of BioCubaFarma, as a tribute to the scientists who saved the country from Covid-19 with their vaccines.

On Tuesday 5, the Serpent Parade will again mark the famous opening of the Jubilee, with the tour from the emblematic Plaza de Marte and the range of colors and sounds of groups carrying authentic dance and musical expressions of Cuba and the Caribbean.