The city of Las Tunas is gearing up to commemorate the 230th anniversary of its founding and the 150th anniversary of the city's fire. This effort takes place against a backdrop of economic challenges but is driven by a firm determination to revive traditions and transform the historic center's urban image.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Misleydi García Osorio, president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power for the provincial capital, speaking to 26, outlined the key pillars of an activity program that combines architectural revitalization, culture, and citizen participation.

The official explained that the agenda envisions transforming locations that have failed to recover from an urban planning perspective and have lost some of their former splendor over time. The goal is to revitalize facades, the surroundings of the historic center, and specifically the pedestrian boulevards.

The program entails revitalization through projects set to "begin in the coming days," aiming to create new spaces for the people, places where families can enjoy not only services, but also spiritual enrichment.

"The city center —due to its architectural structure and its very essence dating back to its founding in 1796— endures today, and it is essential to restore it," the Municipal Assembly president emphasized.

One of the most significant projects is the construction of a pergola within the fairgrounds of the 26 de Julio Park, in the area adjacent to the so-called Feria itself. This space will feature unique characteristics, focusing on literature and the city's traditions. The government's Heritage Instrumental Unit will act as the project sponsor, with self-employed workers (TCPs) and MSMEs (mipymes) participating as partners in the execution.

García Osorio highlighted the involvement of new economic actors in this process, many of whom are based in the city center. "We aim, through a collective and integrated effort, to renew everything that currently requires transformation," she stated.

The 230th-anniversary program continues to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city's burning, this time with a special focus on the Major General Vicente García phrase "Burned rather than enslaved," that defines the people of Las Tunas. The commemoration of the historic event will take place on the 26th itself.

Also continuing are the traditional "canchánchara” and activities at the Major General Vicente García Memorial Museum, located in the colonial mansion where the hero was born, alongside an extensive cultural program that will reach all the municipality's communities and neighborhoods.

As happens every September, the Mass of Saint Jerome will be held, alongside other activities in a broad cultural schedule that will be publicized through various media outlets and channels.

"It is worth noting that, although the main events are concentrated in these last days of September, we will be working on other projects linked to this 230th anniversary that will be carried out in the city throughout the coming year," García Osorio stated.

The official made a special appeal regarding solid waste collection and keeping the city center clean. "Current conditions haven't allowed for a fully sustainable system, but the call is for everyone to pitch in —to foster a culture regarding when and how to put out the trash, so that together we can contribute to a much cleaner city."

"I believe the 230th anniversary calls for a renewed city, but above all, one where beauty, culture, and the cleanliness that has always defined us as people of Las Tunas take center stage. Revitalizing the city and preserving our traditions must be a shared goal," she concluded.