Holguin Kicks Off 15th Music with Humor Festival

With the start of the first activities in the city’s historic center. Holguin opened its doors this Tuesday to the 15th edition of the Music with Humor Festival.

The event, which will run until June 4th, promises to fill the streets with rhythm, subtle double entendres, and shared traditions.

This year, the cultural event not only celebrates its 15th anniversary but also coincides with a triple and symbolic tribute to giants of Cuban culture. The 115th anniversary of the birth of Faustino Oramas “El Guayabero,” the 125th anniversary of Ñico Saquito. And the 80th anniversary of Caridad Cuervo, celebrated here as the queen of guaracha.

Also the first notes of the Festival have already resonated in the emblematic “La Periquera” History Museum. On a day of great heritage value, a special exhibition opened to the public. Featuring as its centerpiece the very original tres guitar that belonged to El Guayabero.

The evening featured a masterful presentation by researcher and teacher Zenovio Hernández. Followed by the sounds of tres player Deivis, a member of the popular group Los Guayaberos. Who made the instrument of the Great Minstrel resonate.

Simultaneously, graphic humor took center stage. The Festival opened a prestigious space for debate on the genre of caricature in Cuba. A discussion moderated by writer Ronel González and featuring insightful contributions from renowned cartoonists Roger García and Onelio Escalona.

The conceptual approach of this fifteenth edition weaves a perfect triangle of wit, traditional folk songs, and musical empowerment. At the heart of this celebration remains Faustino Oramas, the eternal host and king of Cuban humor. Also who demonstrated from his native Holguin that irreverence and elegance can go hand in hand through a nasal voice and clever refrains.

Moreover this perpetual tribute is further enriched by the figure of Ñico Saquito on the 125th anniversary of his birth. The brilliant chronicler from Santiago de Cuba and undisputed pillar of traditional trova left an indelible mark with anthems of popular wit. Such as “María Cristina” and “Cuidadito Compay Gallo.” His inclusion in the program celebrates that kinship between street slang and local customs that he so often shared with El Guayabero.

The feminine perspective and the strength of rural tradition come together with Caridad Cuervo, “The Lady of the Cuban Point.” On the 80th anniversary of her birth, the Music with Humor Festival pays tribute to a woman who championed the décima and the guaracha on stages historically dominated by men. Her presence among these honorees demonstrates that wit, ingenuity, and the art of sharp language transcend gender distinctions.

Under the general artistic direction of Víctor Osorio, the event’s activities are designed to interact directly with the community in essential public spaces.

The area surrounding Calixto García Park and the Casa de la Trova. It will become, from early morning, the main stages for a program. That includes musical tours and the highly anticipated double-entendre contests. Where local poets and improvisational singers will test their wit to demonstrate who is the most mischievous without losing their composure.

Furthermore the theoretical component will also play a key role through panel discussions. Dedicated to exploring the impact of Caridad Cuervo and the role of women in guajira music.

Meanwhile, on the musical front, the Festival is honored by the presence of renowned singer-songwriter Tony Ávila. He will attend as a special guest to captivate the audience with his unique poetry and Caribbean rhythm.

Everything will culminate on June 4th with the highly anticipated “Guayaberazo.” The grand closing concert where all the guest artists will join their voices to perform the immortal classics of the Great Minstrel.

By: Daimy Peña Guillén

Radio Angulo
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