• Submitted by: admin
• Havana
• 11 / 17 / 2007

"Some cities remain for good in our memory; Havana is one of them," said city historian Eusebio Leal in his book dedicated to Havana.

Speaking on the occasion of the 488th birthday of the city, Leal said that Havana treasures poetry, the promise of eternity that supported each generation that progressively shaped urban spaces, monuments and streets."

Leal underscored the noble and comprehensive restoration works made in the historic center of the city, which has given back their original values to patrimonial and cultural sites, along with the development of community-oriented works, including the recent construction of 106 new housing units, and the construction of elderly homes.

As it happens during every anniversary, local authorities have scheduled a series of cultural activities which include the traditional ceremony, on November 15, at the city's founding site, where participants walk around a Ceiba tree standing by the side of a small temple-resembling construction that dates back to the founding day.

On December 16, the city's historian heads a tour of the city on the main streets, which treasure historic sites and monuments. Also on the schedule of celebrations are lectures, exhibits and concerts, in different buildings around the city, which are usually enjoyed by local citizens and visitors from different countries, who have picked Havana as their holiday destination.

Also included is the presentation of samples of the Cuban Musical Cinema, while the city museums will be giving special sessions on their cultural work.

In the context of the 488th birthday of Havana, the Cuban Young Communist League has organized a wide array of cultural activities in one of the oldest plazas: children visual arts workshops, performing arts for youths and children, with the participation of arts instructors from the Jose Marti brigade.

Celebrations will run until November 17, a day to enjoy fashion shows and music concerts by the renowned Camerata Romeu under the conduction of Zenaida Castro at the Saint Francisco de Asis Convent.

Other cultural activities will take place during the month of November, including photo exhibits, poetry sessions in different museums of the city, as part of the 488th birthday of Havana.