The celebration of Cuban Press Day is always a cause for joy and, at the same time, a journey to our essence. This year, despite the complex situation, there is no shortage of recognitions, theoretical forums, and other initiatives that, as usual, honor the creation of the newspaper Patria in 1892 by José Martí.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- This time, the event at the Balcón de Oriente (Cuban Eastern Balcony) is dedicated to Luis Manuel Quesada Kindelán (who passed away in December 2025), recipient of the Rossano Zamora Paadín Lifetime Achievement Award; to Radio Chaparra, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; and to the centennial of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
The program began, as is customary, with a tribute to deceased colleagues. For example, at the plaque bearing his name, Rafael Zayas González, dean of the Las Tunas press and director of the newspaper El Eco de Las Tunas, was remembered. There, Ulises Espinosa, a pioneer of journalism in the province, and Professor Eugenio Ramos shared knowledge and anecdotes about the inspiration behind the written word.
Meanwhile, colleagues from various media outlets visited parks and plazas throughout the province named after the Most Universal of all Cubans to lay floral offerings in his honor. One of these sites was the allegorical bust located in front of the José Martí Provincial Library, where Ulises Espinosa and Gabriel Manuel Peña Ramírez, representing different generations of journalists, performed the symbolic act.
Also, under the gaze of the Maestro, Adalys Ray, president of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC) here, reaffirmed the commitment of Las Tunas reporters to the country and their social role. The guild leader also emphasized the commitment to maintaining professional quality despite the challenging circumstances the nation is facing.
In an interview with 26, she stated, “This is a complex profession, but we cannot afford to tire. Although we are holding a more subdued celebration this year, we designed the activities with great dedication. It is a selfless profession; we work under any circumstances; thus, the recognition is deserved.”
She also discussed UPEC's plans in Las Tunas for this year, which include the technological, economic, and editorial transformation of each media outlet; the development of training programs for diverse students and the University College of the Las Tunas institution of higher education; as well as other initiatives related to communication, demography, the National Program for Women's Advancement, and audience-focused research.
The Cuban Press Day celebration includes workshops, awards ceremonies, and a tribute to women in the sector, among other activities. How to practice journalism in the current circumstances and an approach to media work from a youth perspective are topics on the agenda. “Our press is the one that maintains faith, fidelity to the news. That's where we come in,” Ray emphasized.
