For decades, the Cucalambeana Fiesta has kept alive latent expressions of Cuban identity and rural culture. The celebration, which begins at the grassroots level and continues through districts and municipalities, culminating in the grand event, becomes a perpetual tribute to the bard who inspires the festival: Juan Cristóbal Nápoles Fajardo (El Cucalambé), the greatest bucolic poet of 19th-century Cuba.

Las Tunas, Cuba.– This year, more than 130 gatherings took place in the province during the first two phases of the festivities. With the Cucalambeana Fiesta on May 23rd in the provincial capital, the cycle leading up to the Supreme Festival of the Cuban Peasantry, scheduled to take place from June 28th to July 1st, will conclude.

Now, there are several motivations behind the festivities, including the celebration of the 197th birth anniversary of the author of Rumores del Hórmigo and the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.

Anais Ray Haynes, director of the Provincial Center of Houses of Culture (CPCC), shared some thoughts on the matter. “During April and May, we held events of this kind in most of the municipalities. We asked the localities to adapt to the circumstances the country is experiencing, such as the energy crisis, but without neglecting quality, and they have responded very well. These are beautiful days, as the venues reflect the best of our intangible cultural heritage.

“Majibacoa and ‘Amancio,’ for example, earned the Excellence category, although the other localities also shared equally worthy offerings. Among the outstanding events were the crafts, illustrated décima (a ten-line stanza combined with a painting), and landscape competitions. The participation of residents in games and various activities; the espinela in all its splendor (sung, recited…); the sharing of research; the defense of history; and the presentation of the Living Memory Awards.”

Ray Haynes emphasized the importance of popular participation, stating that “if the people are not the protagonists of the activities, our objective is not met,” an aspect that these actions have wisely taken into account. They also commended the preservation of local traditions and the honoring of rural women, other essential aspects of these events.

For her part, while thanking those who have been involved in the process, she made a necessary appeal: “For future editions, we would like more local organizations and institutions to get involved to truly support the quintessential cultural event of our province.” Some do participate, like the representatives of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), but greater multisectoral integration would be beneficial, and the 'Cucalambeana' should reach more rural communities, where the farmers live.”

Regarding "El Cornito", the traditional venue for the main event, she said: “We cannot forget this place; it embodies the very essence of the décima and safeguards authentic expressions of culture in Las Tunas. We must approach it from a different perspective (and not just within the context of the event), so that the tradition never dies.”