Troubadour Eduardo Sosa and guitarist Rachid Lopez enlivened the evening with traditional Cuban songs, in a message of peace, life and hope, which Ambassador Yaira Jimenez described as necessary in such harsh times for the world, facing death and destruction.

In her opening remarks, the diplomat recalled that on October 20, 1868, “La Bayamesa,” Cuba’s national anthem, was sung for the first time, and that day was declared Cuba’s Culture Day.

It is a celebration closely linked to our sovereignty and independence and an opportunity to emphasize that for Cubans, culture represents a distinctive value of the people; thus, a unifying element and a source of peace, of mobilization for the sake of joy and good wishes, stressed the ambassador, who was accompanied by the burgomaster of Saint-Gilles, Jean Spinette.

A time of particular symbolism came when the statue of the “Water Bearer” wore the Cuban robe, a predominantly yellow garment in allusion to the sun and positive sensations, which many Cubans identify as Oshun, a deity of the Yoruba religion’s pantheon.

From the hands of Lazara Diaz, a Cuban dressmaker and tailor who resides in Belgium, came the gown that alludes to the cultural syncretism that characterizes Cuba.

Ambassador Jimenez considered it a great joy to have the opportunity to commemorate the day in the picturesque town and thanked all those who made the beautiful experience possible.

jg/omr/mem/wmr