UNEAC: The Pride of being Cuban

Havana, January 1st – In 2026, Cuba is preparing to commemorate two significant dates that mark the cultural and political history of the country: the 65th anniversary of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC, for its acronym in Spanish) and the centenary of the birth of our Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro.

The president of UNEAC, Marta Bonet, emphasized the significance of these anniversaries by stating that Fidel Castro continues to be a source of inspiration and a reference for the intellectual and artistic vanguard of Cuba. Radio Cadena Agramonte broadcasts her message in full.

Dear writers and artists,

As we conclude the year 2025, we find ourselves deeply committed to the destinies of the Revolution, our Homeland, the defense of our principles, and the creation and promotion of the values of our culture. We have worked with great intensity; it has been a difficult year, facing enormous economic, material, and social tensions. We have experienced large-scale meteorological events, cruel arboviral diseases, and an unprecedented imperial escalation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The massive and committed participation of our members throughout the country in response to each call from the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba this year confirmed the intense efforts of our organization after concluding a historic 10th Congress, which set a guideline for us to continue thinking about and shaping our nation, forged in ongoing combat against colonialism and neocolonialism, against interventions and interferences; that is why it is essential today to know where we stand, how we got here, and what challenges lie ahead.

Culture is the compass that must guide our efforts to achieve a prosperous and participatory socialism, against the backdrop of increasing imperial hostility. If we aspire for every citizen to embrace the ethics of solidarity, humanism, justice, and equity, rejecting vulgar materialism, marginal behaviors, selfishness, discrimination, and intolerance, we must become aware of the role of culture in developing such values.

The harvest has been long and fruitful for those who preceded us. José Martí unveiled one of the mysteries at the core of our identity when he said: “I do not know what mystery of tenderness lies in that sweet word: Cuban.” Fernando Ortiz left us a concept that remains absolutely relevant: “Cubanidad is a condition of the soul; it is a complex of feelings, ideas, and attitudes.”

“We wish for inspiration, creativity, and new projects to continue enriching our communities and strengthening the art that unites us.”

As we begin this new year, we want to thank you for being here, for continuing to accompany us with that talent, dedication, and passion that give life and meaning to our organization. We hope that inspiration, creativity, and new projects will continue to enrich our communities and strengthen the art that binds us together. May each work reflect your dreams, and may we continue building a path of growth and collaboration together.

As requested by the First Secretary and President Miguel Díaz-Canel at our 10th Congress: “Let us develop the cultural and spiritual forces of the Cuban nation, those that generate emotions, inspire passion, commit us to our historical and cultural roots, enhance patriotic, revolutionary, humanistic values, and strengthen revolutionary convictions—and above all, the pride of being Cuban.”

In 2026, we will celebrate the 65th anniversary of UNEAC and the centenary of our Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, who is and will remain a guide and source of inspiration for the Cuban intellectual and artistic vanguard.

May the new year be filled with love, health, and great achievements.

Long live Cuba!

With admiration and affection, I send you a strong hug.

Marta Bonet.

President of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba. (Cubadebate) (Photo: Taken from the Internet)