Twelve countries and more than 300 participants have confirmed their attendance at the 43^rd Caribbean Festival, which will take place in the city of Santiago de Cuba from July 3 to 9.

The Brazilian state of Bahia, as guest of honor, will bring more than 100 participants to the regional event also known as the Fire Festival; whereas Mexico and the Dominican Republic are preparing large delegations. A revived national participation is also expected in the event.

Thirteen theoretical events will be held parallel to the artistic presentations, among them: the international colloquium The Caribbean that unites us, aimed at promoting scientific exchange between social managers, academics, cultural promoters, activists social workers and public officials; the 3^rd Caribbean Film Festival, the international workshops on Caribbean music and theater; as well as the Jesús Cos Causse meeting of poets from the Caribbean and the world.

The Fire Festival is carried out by the House of the Caribbean with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Cuba and the Provincial Directorate of Culture of Santiago de Cuba.

For the fifth time, the Caribbean Festival will be sponsored by the company Cuba Ron S.A. and the Ron Santiago brand, both as seals of national and local identity in an event committed to the transcendence of community values and the groups that bear the Cuban and Caribbean cultures.