Havana, Nov. 15 - Among the cultural proposals honoring the 506th anniversary of the founding of the former villa of San Cristóbal de La Habana is the traditional walk around the ceiba tree at El Templete.
Located next to the Plaza de Armas in the historic center of Havana, the site awaits tonight the visit of those who admire the history and symbolism that the building holds.
The words of remembrance for the date will be spoken by the distinguished poet and National Literature Prize winner in 2001, Nancy Morejón, before giving way to the artistic gala.
According to the Cuban Encyclopedia EcuRed, El Templete, a building of marked historical significance, is one of the symbols of the Historic Center of Old Havana, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The first mass, it adds, was held in 1519 beneath a ceiba tree that existed at the site. In the 19th century, the building was constructed next to the tree, which over time was replaced by others.
Every November 15, El Templete becomes the site from which a new anniversary of the city's founding is anticipated and celebrated.
This year, the tribute program invites people to enjoy exhibitions, music, audiovisual screenings, conferences, workshops, cultural proposals for older adults, among many other initiatives.
Titled "Fidelity and Loyalty," the promotional campaign pays tribute to Fidel Castro and Eusebio Leal, as one cannot explain the work of the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHCH) during the revolutionary period without understanding the deep friendship and cooperation that existed between them.
This was defined by Magda Resik, the Communication Director of OHCH, in a recent meeting with the press.
She noted that the celebration occurs at just the right moment when various activities evoke the centenary of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, to be commemorated on August 13, 2026.
