Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Camagüey, August 28 - Camaguey's Plaza de los Trabajadores was the inaugural stage of the 16th edition of the Timbalaye 2024 International Festival, where the president of the Organizing Committee, Néstor Olazábal, welcomed the attendees. The group Bonito Patuá opened the cultural program with a vibrant performance.
From the Santa Cecilia Convention Center, the panel “Africa in Camagüey: history, culture and something more” was held, which brought together professors, researchers and prominent cultural figures. During the dialogue, topics such as the Cabildos de Nación, the presence of black women in these traditions and the rumba as an expression of Camagüey folklore were discussed.
The event also served to recognize groups and personalities who have contributed to the legacy of Afro culture in the region, receiving distinctions from local cultural authorities.
Bonito Patuá, which keeps alive songs and dances; and Dessandan, a vocal group, which celebrates this year the 30th anniversary of its foundation.
The director of the Camaguey Folkloric Ballet, Reinaldo Echemendia, with 50 years of artistic life.
The director of Rumbatá, Wilmer Ferrán, for the preservation and dissemination of rumba, Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Pablo Hernández, president of the Yoruba Cultural Association in Camagüey.
On its first day, the festival included the presentation of the Todo Turbante Project and a visit to the Ilè Ocha Temple House, where this edition is dedicated; the night closed with a performance by Rumbtá in Bedoya Square, where neighbors and passers-by enjoyed their unique interpretation of the rumba. The festival will be extended this Tuesday to the Camagüey towns of Florida, Céspedes and Nuevitas, continuing its celebration of the rich Afro-descendant cultural heritage. (Text and photos: Betzabe R. Cabrejas Jeffers and Hilda C. Recio Costilla/RCA)
