Chile Prepares Musical Marathon of Love for Cuba

Chilean solidarity organizations are preparing a Musical Marathon of Love for Cuba to mark the 20th anniversary of the first graduation of students from the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana.

The Association of Parents of Cuban Graduates, the Siboney Collective and the Chilean-Cuban Institute of Culture José Martí are among the groups organizing the event, which will take place tomorrow at the Manuel de Salas High School in the capital’s Ñuñoa district.

This initiative is part of the World Marathon of Love for Cuba, promoted by the Latin American and Caribbean Continental Network of Solidarity with Cuba.

Elizabeth Molina, a member of the association, told Prensa Latina that the goal of the event is to raise funds to send medicines and supplies to Cuban hospitals, which continue to be affected by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.

She recalled that on August 20, 2005, the first graduation of Latin American students was held at ELAM, with a group of Chileans among them.

“It has been 20 years since that unforgettable and momentous day in their lives, and also in ours, as parents of those who joined the ‘army of white coats that travels the continent saving lives,’ as Fidel Castro, leader of the Revolution, affirmed,” she said.

The musical marathon will feature well-known Chilean artists including Francisco “Pancho” Villa, Cecilia Concha Laborde, Lashin Culpa, Juanito Ayala, Los Insobornables and Pepe Cid.