The event strengthens ties between Caribbean nations, their customs and traditions.
Photo: Lorenzo Crespo
Havana, July 10 (RHC)-- The 41st edition of the Fiesta del Fuego, which took place in Santiago de Cuba from July 3 to 9, was described as hugely successful by its participants.
Marked by the visit of the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and president of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel to the Casa del Caribe, the institution that organizes the festival, the event brought back the Caribbean vitality to the streets of Santiago, after two years of isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mater El-Adawy, Egyptian ambassador to the island, pointed out that the event gave back a space of unity to the peoples of the region and to know the cultural potentialities of that southeastern territory.
During the usual closing parade along the central Aguilera Street, members of the 31st. Brigade Juan Rius Rivera, from Puerto Rico, reaffirmed their support to Cuba in its unceasing struggle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States since 1962.
Alfonso Roca, Mexican guest, thanked for the opportunity to participate in the famous Caribbean Festival, founded in 1981 with the purpose of safeguarding the roots of the groups that carry the cultures of Caribbean origin, and highlighted the joy of the region and the hospitality of the people.
Lorena Palmero, a local, emphasized the importance of the Fiesta del Fuego in the conservation, enhancement and visibility of the links that unite the nations of the geographic area, their customs and traditions.
With the symbolic Burning of the Devil, which took place in La Alameda promenade, very close to the bay, the highest authorities of the province and the people of Santiago bid farewell to the event, dedicated to the four decades of the Casa del Caribe and to the 40th and 30th anniversary of the Septeto Turquino and the Grupo Estudio Teatral Macubá, respectively.
The Festival was also attended by national scientists who developed the anti-COVID-19 vaccines, during the Serpent Parade, on July 5, the Casa del Caribe 2022 International Award was presented to Eduardo Martinez, president of BioCubaFarma, in recognition of the work carried out in the last two years of battle for life.
The Fiesta del Fuego was attended by some 400 national artists, 18 groups and 207 foreigners from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Germany, Venezuela, Suriname, Dominican Republic, Honduras, St. Martin and Egypt, among others.
