Fourth "Cuba Va Conmigo" Cultural Festival Concludes in Italy

Italy hosted the Fourth "Cuba Va Conmigo" Cultural Festival, an event aimed at strengthening ties between the Island and its artists living abroad, held within the framework of the Seventeenth Meeting of Cubans Residing in Europe (ECRE), which concluded today in Rome.

The event, which was held for the first time outside the largest of the Antilles, featured prominent Cuban exponents of various artistic manifestations, including painters, musicians, singers, writers, dancers, and photographers who, although residing outside their homeland, maintain close links with it as worthy representatives of the nation's art.

In attendance were the President of the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM), Indira Fajardo, representing the Ministry of Culture; Ana Teresita González, General Director of Consular Affairs and Attention to Cubans Residing Abroad from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as well as the Ambassador to Italy, Mirta Granda.

Massimiliano Smeriglio, former European parliamentarian and current cultural advisor for the government of Rome Capital, greeted both events on behalf of the local authorities. In his speech, he highlighted the close bonds uniting the peoples of the two countries and the honor of hosting both the ECRE and the "Cuba Va Conmigo" festival in Italy.

Highlighted Activities

Among the activities held, the International Exhibition of Cuban Art “The Island That Inhabits Us” stood out, featuring works by painters residing in Italy, Rafael Sánchez, Raúl Hernández, and Ascanio Cuba.

In statements to Prensa Latina, the latter affirmed that this exhibition was an initiative of the Council of Plastic Arts of Cuba, which gave him the possibility to coordinate the organizational and curatorial aspects in Italy.

“This exhibition gathers all the feelings of Cuba, following the concepts of peace, solidarity, and altruism that characterize that nation in the world,” expressed the creator.

Another significant moment was the Cuba Viva music and dance spectacle, which opened the doors of this Cultural Festival. According to Cuban dance teacher Irma Castillo, Vice President of the Timbalaye cultural project, it “is not just a celebration: it is an embrace of our roots, an explosion of joy, and a tribute to the creativity that unites us.”

The Culminating Gala and National Recognition

The Cuba Va Conmigo Artistic Gala, the culminating moment of this festival, was presented by actress, playwright, and film and theater producer Esnedy Milán and the distinguished dancer and choreographer Ulises Mora, President of Timbalaye.

Also participating were dance teacher and choreographer Lázaro Martín; soprano, composer, and musicologist Monica Maziotta; and the renowned pianist Marcos Madrigal, all residents in Italy, as well as dancer Bárbaró Maykel and troubadour Julio Hernández, residing in Norway and Spain, respectively.

During this Fourth "Cuba Va Conmigo" Cultural Festival, five relevant artists residing in Italy received the Distinction for the National Culture of their country.

The President of the ICM presented this recognition, on behalf of the Cuban Ministry of Culture, to pianist Marcos Madrigal, soprano Mónica Maziotta, painters Raúl Hernández and Danis Montero (Ascanio Cuba), as well as to film director Luis Ernesto Doñas.

Fajardo highlighted that “their works, of high artistic quality, enrich the Island's cultural heritage, as well as strengthen the presence and prestige of Cuban culture in the international arena,” aspects that endorse them as genuine exponents of these values.