“Martian Gardens and Forests” Event Concludes in Artemisa

The Martian Forest of Ariguanabo hosted the closing ceremony of the “Martian Gardens and Forests” event today. The gathering was sponsored by La Fragua Martiana and the José Martí Cultural Society in tribute to the legacy of Cuba’s National Hero.

According to El Artemiseño, the provincial weekly, the event brought together specialists, local authorities, and cultural promoters for a dialogue on environmental conservation, the cultivation of patriotic values, and the commitment to preserving historical memory.

The publication notes that Rafael Rodríguez Ortiz, creator of the Martian Forest, emphasized that “to love nature is to love life,” reaffirming the importance of the site as a natural classroom for developing ecological and Martian awareness.

Among the participants were Yosuam Palacios, director of La Fragua Martiana, Javier Ortega, provincial president of the José Martí Cultural Society, and Jesús Victores, president of the organization in San Antonio de los Baños.

As confirmed by Ecured, Cuba’s collaborative encyclopedia, the idea to create the Martian Forest of Ariguanabo was conceived in 1994. Its mission was to instill in children and young people a love for nature and for the homeland.

The source also states that the project came to life on May 19 of that year, when Rafael Rodríguez Ortiz (known as Felo) and outstanding student pioneers from the municipality planted the first species in honor of the 99th anniversary of Martí’s death in combat.

Since then, the natural site has become, with institutional and community support, a space for ecological and historical education. It is now home to 54 plant species mentioned by Martí in his campaign diary.