Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Camagüey, October 20.- This October 20th, Cuba celebrates Cuban Culture Day, a date inviting us to reflect on the roots and traditions that enrich our nation’s identity. On this occasion, Camagüey stands out for its invaluable cultural contribution, ranging from traditional manifestations to world-renowned artistic expressions.
One of the most emblematic events in the region and all of Cuba is the San Juan Camagüeyano, a festivity that blends devotion, music, and dance, preserving African and Spanish roots in a colorful tribute to popular culture. The event’s nights of celebration and ancestral rituals embody the very essence of local folklore.
Cuba’s literary history features Camagüey as a key chapter: it is where the country’s first literary work, Espejo de Paciencia (1608) by Silvestre de Balboa, was written, reflecting deep roots of island storytelling. Notable figures like Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda also shone through their poetic legacy and advocacy for freedom and women’s rights.
In the artistic scene, Camagüey has given rise to figures such as Fidelio Ponce de León, a renowned painter and sculptor whose work has transcended national borders, and Patricio Ballagas, an innovator in Cuban trova, whose music has influenced generations. Also noteworthy is Luis Casas Romero, a pioneer in radio broadcasting in Cuba, therefore the province has been a breeding ground for talents that enrich the artistic history of the nation.
The musical and artistic tradition is reflected in its cultural institutions, which have a trajectory of almost 60 years. The Camagüey Symphony Orchestra and the Province Choir are examples of the quality and commitment to musical expressions. In addition, the Camagüey Folkloric Ballet, the Camagua Folkloric Company, and contemporary groups such as Desandan and Rumbatá continue to take Camagüey's culture to national and international stages.
The culture of this legendary land is not only a living heritage, but also a reflection of the history, traditions, and talent of its people. From its traditional festivities, its literary legacy, to its musical and artistic expressions, the province reaffirms its role as one of the cultural pillars of Cuba. Celebrating the Day of Cuban Culture in Camagüey is to honor that richness that unites us and makes us proud of our roots, inviting us to value and preserve that legacy for future generations. (Maykel Torres La Rosa/Radio Cadena Agramonte) (Photo: Taken from the Internet)
