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Art and Homeland: Cuban Writers and Artists Call for a National Cultural Event
The Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) will celebrate Cuban Culture Day, (October 20) with a national event titled “Art and Homeland” (in spanish Arte y Patria), scheduled to take place from Monday, October 19, to Friday, October 30. The program includes panel discussions, concerts, exhibitions, exchange forums, and activities centered on artistic creation, history, and the defense of national identity.
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The event draws inspiration from the National Anthem, composed by Pedro “Perucho” Figueredo—a piece whose notes accompanied a decisive moment in Cuban history and remain a symbol of independence and emancipation.
“What better way to celebrate our national identity—that deep-rooted sense of ‘Cubanness’—than through art and music?” stated Magda Resik Aguirre, First Vice President of UNEAC, in remarks to the organization’s communications team.
Representatives from the UNEAC presidency and leadership will participate in the *Fiesta de la Cubanía* (Festival of Cuban Identity) in Bayamo—a city intrinsically linked to the birth and establishment of the national anthem as a patriotic symbol. The gathering will also commemorate the 65th anniversary of the writers’ and artists’ organization.
“Art and Homeland” is part of the Faithful Art (Arte Fiel) campaign, which honors the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the 65th anniversary of UNEAC. It also incorporates celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), an institution dedicated to promoting Cuban culture, social engagement, and artistic excellence.
🎼🥁El espacio Detras de la Portada que mensualmente organizan la Sección de Musicología y la Asociación de Músicos de la Uneac, dedicará su próxima edición al DVD La Familia, de Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.#ArteFiel #65Uneac#MuñequitosDeMatanzas pic.twitter.com/cO5sGAiilb
— UNEAC (@UNEAC_online) October 17, 2026
The text reads, “The “Behind the Cover” (Detrás de la Portada) event, organized monthly by the Musicology Section and the Musicians’ Association of UNEAC, will dedicate its next edition to the DVD La Familia by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.”
The program includes discussions on the fight against racism and racial discrimination. The panel “Fidel and the Cuban Color: Racism and Discrimination 140 Years After the Abolition of Slavery” will be organized by UNEAC’s José Antonio Aponte Commission. Additionally, there will be a panel dedicated to the novel Paradiso by José Lezama Lima, marking six decades since its first publication.
The program will begin on October 19 at Sala Villena with a panel dedicated to Paradiso and the presentation of the DVD La Familia—produced by BisMusic from a concert by Los Muñequitos de Matanzas at the 2023 Jazz Plaza Festival. The group will subsequently give a special performance in the gardens of UNEAC.
On October 21, the printmaking exhibition Roots (in spanish Raíces) will open, followed by a gathering of *trova* musicians celebrating Cuban culture. The following day will feature the presentation of the Domingo Ravenet Curatorial Award and the opening of the exhibition Cartographies of Destiny (in spanish Cartografías del destino) by Santiago Rodríguez Olazábal.
From October 26 to 30, juries will convene to evaluate the admission of new members to UNEAC, both through its various associations and provincial committees. This process is part of the “Fidel Castro Ruz Centenary Special Growth” initiative and will include young creators from the AHS (Hermanos Saíz Association) who have established a solid body of excellent work.
The closing event on October 30 will include a segment titled “Chamber Music in Cuba” and a performance by Ernán López-Nussa alongside the ensemble Raptus, as part of the 15th Chamber Music Festival.
Resik noted that the organization will adjust schedules and venues to maintain its connection with the public and local communities, “We are fulfilling a duty we have as creators—to dedicate ourselves to the people, to our audience, and to the Cuban public”,explaining.
#Cuba | Havana says talks with Washington remain stalled as US oil restrictions worsen fuel shortages and disrupt essential services, including healthcare.
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 16, 2026
Cuba continues to call for dialogue ahead of the October 29 UN vote on the blockade.#OilBlockade #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/fycySzWm5T
