The Provincial Center for Houses of Culture (CPCC in Spanish), which recognizes the work of individuals, institutions, projects, and groups that have made significant contributions, announces the Provincial Community Culture Award, awarded to Oelys Matos Rojas and the Zabaleando project in its most recent edition.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- The results were announced at the El Cucalambé Ibero-American Décima House, with the participation of actress Verónica Hinojosa, recipient of the National Community Culture Award—an honor she is currently the only person to have received in the Balcón de Oriente region. In this context, the values of the award recipients were recognized, highlighting their numerous achievements in the pursuit of cultural development.

Oelys, a preeminent researcher of community initiatives, has participated in various events, consistently demonstrating outstanding work. In addition, he serves as musical advisor to the traditional music group Raíces Soneras and has accumulated more than 30 awards, including his participation in the Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba.

Zabaleando, for its part, has upheld a tradition from the Santo Domingo neighborhood for more than half a century, sparking a vibrant scene of folklore and identity. Thus, lovers of fine art flock to Adolfo Villamar Street to enjoy diverse artistic performances that pulse with community spirit.

According to Maideé Gil Almarales, Comprehensive Program and Project Methodologist at the CPCC, “Zabaleando was recognized in the project category, among other reasons, for its track record and impact on the community, the strengthening of ties with cultural institutions, for engaging and raising awareness among families, as well as for providing tools to educate, develop, enrich, and transform the ways children, adolescents, and adults act in general.”

The official also highlighted Oelys’s ability to foster values and enrich the cultural life of her community. “Her participation in events such as ‘In the Footsteps of History,’ which represents her municipality, as well as in the theoretical sessions of the Jornada Cucalambeana and World Son and Casino Week, is commendable. He has earned numerous accolades as a researcher and art instructor, notably for his work as part of ‘Raíces Soneras’ and in San Joaquín, a remote rural community in Majibaco that is difficult to access.”

After reviewing five submitted proposals, the jury reached this decision unanimously; through their dedicated and systematic work, both Oelys and Zabaleando contribute to improving the quality of life for the people of Las Tunas. Additionally, both proposals will compete for the National Community Culture Award next year.