The Our Memory Thought Congress, considered by specialists and participants as the backbone of the May Pilgrimages. It has officially begun its 21st edition in the city of Holguin.
This event, which will run until May 7th, is once again establishing itself as the most important forum. For debate among Cuba’s young intellectual vanguard.
Also the Revolution Room of the La Periquera Provincial Museum is hosting the theoretical sessions. In a year of double celebrations: the 50th anniversary of this heritage institution and the centennial of the historical leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.
Moreover the opening day was marked by the keynote address “Stories of Alexander.” Delivered by renowned researcher Katiuska Blanco. During his speech, Blanco delved into Fidel Castro’s human and intellectual side. Linking his legacy to the challenges facing the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) today, 40 years after its founding.
Since its inception in the 1990s, the Memoria Nuestra Congress has aimed to recover historical memory. And promote scientific dialogue among young researchers.
Over the years, this event has evolved from a local forum to an international platform. That awards prizes for community intervention projects and presentations with a sociodemographic and identity focus.
The prize which this year amounts to 10,000 Cuban pesos. It is one of the most coveted by researchers under 35. As it represents an endorsement of scientific rigor and social commitment.
The opening ceremony was attended by the highest authorities of the province. Among those in attendance were Joel Queipo Ruiz, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Holguin. Manuel Francisco Hernández Aguilera, Governor of the province. Yasel Toledo, National President of the AHS (Hermanos Saíz Association). And other members of the Directorate of Culture and the AHS in the province.
Furthermore the event’s prestige is further guaranteed by a high-caliber jury comprised of researchers Beatriz Ibelisse Dávila Abreu, Víctor Aguilera Nonell, and Katiuska Blanco herself.
Moreover, the head coordinator of the congress, Liban Fernando Espinosa Hechavarría. He emphasized that the themes for 2026 explore everything from local traditions to the contribution of young artists to national identity.
“Our Memory” is not just a conference, but an exercise in cultural resistance and sovereignty rooted in critical thinking.
The congress reaffirms that, as long as there are young people willing to discuss their history. So the Romerías de Mayo will continue to be much more than a festival: they will be the meeting point between tradition and modernity.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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