Regarding this, Santa Massiel, a singer-songwriter from Ciego de Ávila and national vice president of the AHS, commented:

The bond between the Hermanos Saíz Association and the Piña Colada Festival has always been very close. It has been a team effort, a collaboration of artists, a shared commitment to ensuring that the best of young art, music, and, for the past few years, other artistic expressions, reign in Ciego de Ávila during those days. Therefore, we are honored that this year's festival has been dedicated to the Association's 40th anniversary.

“Within the festival, the AHS always has an area dedicated to all genres, where not only are there concerts, but the Casa de Joven Creador (House of Young Creators) has also hosted the Youth Music symposium that characterizes the event. It has been a venue for professional development workshops and masterclasses; in other words, the connection is very close, and we are very happy that this edition is also dedicated to the 40th anniversary of our organization.”

The celebration, of course, was not just a matter of words. A beautiful gala featuring young creators opened the Festival in the renovated Teatro Principal in Ciego de Ávila, and later, an intense and varied program at the AHS headquarters in the province brought the well-deserved birthday celebration to life.

This is how Alejandro, actor and president of the organization in the province, sums it up:

“The fact that the AHS was chosen as practically the headquarters, the one that hosted the most activities within this festival, is a source of pride for us. It speaks volumes about the work of young artists and the confidence that the Piña Colada Organizing Committee has in the Hermanos Saíz Association.”

Arnaldo Rodríguez, president of Piña Colada Festival, affirms that “the Hermanos Saíz Association has always been a key player in the event, with its talents, its enthusiasm, and the drive that young people possess. So it was only right that the Piña Colada Festival celebrate this anniversary, especially at such a complex time when it was crucial, even essential, not to cancel the event. Firstly, because of its significance to the cultural life here in Ciego de Ávila and, in a way, in the central region of the country. Secondly, it's a challenge for us to do it in a special way, with reduced resources and minimal expenses. It's also important that amidst so many shortages and challenges facing our people, there isn't a cultural blackout, and that people can enjoy artistic offerings. This always contributes to people's spiritual well-being, and what better allies to take on this challenge than young creators?”

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff