That Breath of Pure Spirituality

Cuban Culture Day is, and will always be, a date of particular rejoicing for all our people. It could not be otherwise: 158 years ago, on a day like today, we sang our beautiful and vibrant National Anthem for the first time in Bayamo—an anthem that sprang from the soul of its composer, Perucho Figueredo.

In these difficult and complex times we are living through, the celebration takes on an epic quality, given the breadth of its reach. To address any topic related to culture is to engage with a concept that extends far beyond the mere privilege of having been born on this beloved island. It includes all the values we have inherited from our forebears, as well as those we continue to cultivate as time goes by.

It does not matter whether one is a scientist, a farmer, or a member of the military. The significance of culture within the Cuban identity acts as an *alter ego*—one that grows alongside us as we age. It serves as a solid, resilient shell; though perhaps invisible to the eye, its presence is undeniably felt when it is authentic.

We are referring to that sense of deep fulfillment that washes over us when, our daily obligations concluded, we settle in to enjoy the Cuban music of our choice—whether it be a chamber quartet, the popular rhythms of urban music, or the heartfelt songs of the *trova* tradition. Others may choose to celebrate the talents of specific actors and actresses—on both the small and large screen—whose performances draw thunderous applause, the same kind of acclaim well-deserved by the dancers of our finest performing companies. The natural act of embracing our culture as Cubans entails a spontaneous recognition that we are part of an infinite expedition—a journey through a deep ocean of roots, talent, renewal, and a profound sense of belonging. This, in turn, grants us a unique poetic license: the joy of feeling immersed in the happiness that has accumulated within our hearts.

How our chests swell with pride when we fully grasp that Cuban culture can be likened to a precious vessel—a *jamo*—from which we draw forth wonders, true treasures of our heritage! Consider, for instance, figures such as Ernesto Lecuona, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Sindo Garay, Alberto Lescay, Omara Portuondo, Frank Fernández, Alberto Luberta, Juan Formell, Alejo Carpentier, Ramón Veloz, Dulce María Loynaz, Alicia Alonso, Compay Segundo, Eduardo Roca, Silvio Rodríguez, Luis Carbonell, and Mirta Ibarra—giants who embody facets of our identity, standing among a multitude of writers and artists whose names will remain etched into the very genes of the Cuban people until the end of time.

This is why it’s so vital to celebrate this occasion with all the nobility, emotion, and resilience that the current circumstances demand. In the face of an adversary that seeks to stifle us as a nation, let’s defend our culture—that breath of pure spirituality that endures within each of us—with determination and courage.

If the Apostle—José Martí—carried the name of Cuba engraved on an iron ring, affirming his commitment to live or die for his country, then let us view Cuban culture as that very ring—a symbol for which we are prepared to offer up our most precious gift: life itself. 

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff