From August 25 to 31, Cuba will host the 17th edition of the International Rumba Festival Timbalaye 2025, dedicated this time to highlighting the Congolese legacy in Cuban cultural identity.
Through the symbolic sowing of Mata Siguaraya and a wide cultural program, the festival will emphasize the influence of orality, dances, songs and Congolese drums in the rumba, promoting African heritage in Cuba, the Caribbean and Latin America, Point out the Cuban News Agency.
Irma Castillo, vice president of Timbalaye, stressed that the event will focus on making visible emblematic sites that preserve the Congolese culture, with face -to -face activities in Havana, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, Cienfuegos and Villa Clara, while other provinces will participate with virtual proposals.
The program includes concerts, shows, dance lessons, visits to historical sites, colloquiums and community meetings with outstanding cultivators.
A novelty this year will be the sowing of La Mata Siguaraya (Trichilia Havanensis), A sacred tree in Afro -Cuban religions, as a symbol of unity and connection with the environment.
According to Ulises Mora Valiña, president of the Festival, the Congos consider it “a sacred, mythical, powerful and protective tree within the inheritance and Afro -Cuban religions.”
Therefore, he adds, on this occasion, “we want to make a symbolic planting in every corner where the rumba route arrives.”
He also highlighted his link with the song “Mata Siguaraya” by Benny Moré, which reflects the Cuban identity.
As soon as international participants, the assistance of Mexico, Italy and possibly Panama is expected.
The “Living in the neighborhoods” project will reinforce awareness about the African legacy, although invited artists or the expected impact on the communities were not detailed.
In 2016, the United Nations Educational, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) declared the Cuban rumba intangible heritage of humanity.
Then, the act of the Intergovernmental Committee, gathered in Adis Abeba, the Ethiopian capital, considered that rumba is “an expression of self -esteem and resistance” that contributes to the formation of national identity.
Formed by representatives from 24 signatory countries of the UNESCO Convention, the Committee decided to include that Cuban demonstration in the list of protected goods because it is a symbol of the entire island and “defends the right to cultural diversity based on mutual respect.”
Arising in marginal neighborhoods of cities such as Havana and Matanzas, as well as in the vicinity of some ports and in rural areas inhabited by African slave communities, rumba is linked, it also has characteristic elements of the Antillean culture and Spanish flamenco.
