Culture has been identified as a key towards liberation, strengthening of ties, political and national unity, freedom of creation and dialogue .
The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, stated this at the celebration of the country’s Culture Day, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
She noted that the commemoration is aimed celebrating the patriotic time of Cuba.
“Cuba celebrates National Culture Day in the midst of the tightening of the blockade, a difficult national and international economic situation derived in recent years from the COVID-19 pandemic. Unity within diversity, the creation of consensus and dialogue and the development of an effective culture that represents all sectors of current Cuban society. No historical process in Cuba has done more for the development of culture, education and science than the Revolution.”
“The national culture, according to the Cuban historian Fernando Ortiz, has been and is the result of the historical evolution of its people, it has meant a vital transition of cultures, an immense mixture of races, traditions and customs, a Cuban mix that has been consolidated through a national identity over the centuries,” she noted.
According to her the celebration of National Culture Day is aimed at promoting solidarity.
“We defend one concept, this is not the African American descent; is Africa and America, is not Cuba Africa; is Cuba and Africa. we defend the dignity of Africa and the dignity of our country. Martí’s concept of “Homeland is Humanity” had its greatest expression in the political and social thought of Fidel Castro, promoter of a political culture of solidarity and humanism. Cuban culture has in its roots the heritage bequeathed by the more than 3 000 000 Slaves who came to the Island from different African countries, most of them from Nigeria.
“That is why we are connected with Africa, especially Nigeria; that’s why our songs, dances, foods and colors are also those of this multicultural country. Currently we have association of Yorubas in Cuba. Thank you Nigeria for your cultural legacy, thank you Africa for so much solidarity and brotherhood. Today is Cuban Culture Day, and on behalf of the people and government of Cuba I thank you all for attending our cocktail party for our anniversary,” she said.
Speaking on the crisis between Israel and Palestine, the Envoy stressed that Cuba is concerned about a peaceful co-existence between the two parties.
“Cuba has reiterates its deep concern about the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, which has caused the death of civilians and innocent persons of all the parties involved in this conflict, regardless of their ethnic origin, nationality or religious creed; and strongly condemns the killing of civilians, particularly women, children and humanitarian workers from the United Nations system,” Palmero stressed.
According to the Executive Director, Amistados Enterprises, Mr. Tar Ukoh, Cuba is an essential part of the African Spirit.
“For Cuba, they don’t have the culture of, we are Ibos, we are this, we are that. It’s a Pan African culture. What makes Cuba different, the fight for their freedom, there is a humanist tradition that is unquantifiable.
“Cuba fought for Africa liberation movement, and of course Cuba today in the index of Human capital development is one of the best in the world because of the Cuba revolution, but till today, Cuban support Africans, Cuba is essential part of the Africa Spirit,” Ukoh said
This year’s celebration of Cuban Day is in an atmosphere of solemnity and respect in support of the Palestinian people.
