"Memoria Viva" Award Recognizes Promoters of Cuban Culture

The Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research has bestowed the 2025 "Memoria Viva" (Living Memory) Award upon 44 personalities, families, and institutions, in recognition of the vitality and diversity of the nation's traditional popular culture.

At a press conference, Luis Emilio Aybar Toledo, the institution's director, emphasized that this award, in its twenty-second edition, holds foundational significance and fulfills the essential function of bringing prestige, recognition, and visibility to the cultural expressions that define Cuba's identity and uniqueness.

"It recognizes the expressions of Cuban traditional popular culture, which is precisely what makes us Cuban in these times of homogenization," stated Aybar Toledo.

The official stressed that the award not only honors the leading cultural practitioners but also the researchers and specialists who prepare the nomination dossiers.

Raymalu Morales Mejías, a researcher at the institute and president of the jury, explained that the laurel is more than a recognition; it is considered a testament to the commitment of the culture bearers, who carry out their work in community and local settings.

Among this year's awardees are artisan Luisa Aurora Morel Cabrera, Rafael San Luis Romero, practitioners of Franco-Haitian cultural expressions, as well as community projects and personalities with a recognized track record in safeguarding traditional manifestations.

It was also highlighted that the quality of the 68 dossiers presented in this edition was notably superior.

Due to logistical and transportation difficulties, the presentation of the awards will be carried out through recognition ceremonies in the awardees' home municipalities and provinces.

The "Memoria Viva" Award aims to distinguish the work of culture bearers and groups that keep the diversity of traditional Cuban culture alive in all communities across the country.