The August 13 Cultural Days, an annual tribute to poets Sergio and Luis Saíz Montes de Oca, kicked off today in Pinar del Río with a full program of activities, also serving as a fitting tribute to Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro on his centennial.

Through August 15, the Vueltabajo region will once again become a hub for the young artistic vanguard, with creators and projects from the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) representing several provinces holding presentations in the communities of Marabú and La Ceiba, as well as at the Hermanos Saíz cooperative, all located in the municipality of San Juan y Martínez.

Yudián Padrón Pérez, president of the AHS in Pinar del Río, explained that theoretical sessions and a young art fair will take place simultaneously at the Pista Rita cultural plaza, in the heart of the provincial capital.

He noted that an artistic evening is planned for the night of August 12 to mark International Youth Day and in anticipation of Fidel's birthday, to be held at the Hermanos Saíz monument at the city's entrance.

He added that the Casa del Joven Creador will host, on the morning of August 13, the presentation of an audiovisual tour of the Hermanos Saíz house museum, along with the panel discussion "Fidel Castro's Cultural Thought: Retrospective and Relevance Today." The event will also include the release of the chapbook "Caballo que te vas, siempre regresas" ("Horse That Leaves, Always Returns"), published by Cauce.

On August 14, he said, the panel "Cultural Policies in the Cuban Revolution" will be held, led by professors from the Higher Institute of Art, marking the institution's 50th anniversary.

Yanetsy Ariste, a member of the AHS national leadership and vice president of the organization in Pinar del Río, stated that despite the country's difficult circumstances, this year's Cultural Days will go forward thanks to the enthusiasm for creating and continuing to honor Sergio and Luis, as well as the support of various organizations and institutions.

The event also pays tribute to the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Hermanos Saíz Association, to be celebrated this October.