The proposal came in 2021 by the National Council of Cultural Heritage with the aim of contributing to the sustainability, visibility and viability of this expression of the country’s identity, popular and traditional culture.
The act took place at the Gardens of the National Association of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC) and, according to the assessing committee, the decision represented a first step to nominate for the prize of Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The date coincides with the anniversary of the birth of renowned Cuban vocalist Benny Moré, nicknamed “El Bárbaro del Ritmo,” and one of the major exponents of the genre in the country, such as Sindo Garay, Manuel Corona and César Portillo de la Luz.
The chosen day also marks the birth of another vocalist named Luis Marquetti, who later became a giant worshipper of bolero, composer and promoter of this expression beyond the Cuban borders.
Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are some of the nations that also uphold the bolero, its musical identity features, aesthetic codes and style that determine its authenticity.
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