Havana, November 15 (RHC)-- Residents and visitors of the Cuban capital are gearing up to live memorable moments as the half-millennium of Havana will be marked within a few hours.
The jubilee has been preceded by intense work for the restoration and beautifying of emblematic places of the capital.
A string of grand opening ceremonies of restored monuments, recreational centers, retail stores, schools, and museums, totaling hundreds of places have taken place during the week.
On Thursday, City Historian Eusebio Leal led the reopening of the restored colonial fortress Atares Castle, the 20th century Cuatro Caminos market was officially inaugurated after a complete refurbish, and the monument to Independence Wars, General Calixto Garcia was formally opened after its transfer from its Malecon location in the Vedado District to a safer place in Playa.
The vice-president of the Council of the Provincial Administration, Tatiana Viera, explained that early on Friday, a group of important works would be inaugurated, including La Giraldilla Recreational Complex, in La Lisa district.
Also scheduled for Friday is the inauguration of the Saint Petersburg - Havana Photographic Exhibition in the Lobby of the Avellaneda Room of the National Theater and later a Gala-Concert of the Ballet of Saint Petersburg will take place.
Following the tradition, at 9 pm on the eve of the 16th of November, a procession will depart from the Palace of the General Captains to the Templete, location where City Historian Eusebio Leal will dedicate a few words to Havana.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the official inauguration of the restored Capitol Building will be held. At 9 pm its grand staircase will host the gala that will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana in its final settlement.
The show will feature the Cuban National Ballet, the Conjunto Folclórico Nacional, the Ballet Español de Cuba, the Teatro Lírico Nacional, the National Symphony Orchestra and the Entrevoces Choir, among other outstanding artist and ensembles.
