Italian Culture Week begins in Cuba
HAVANA, Nov 17 The XXV Week of Italian Culture in Cuba begins today in this capital with the tribute to the centenary of the birth of the journalist and writer Ítalo Calvino,and the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries. The meeting will take place from this day until November 27 with the presence of various initiatives and a broader discourse of sociocultural interrelation.
According to recent statements by the Italian Ambassador to Cuba, Roberto Vellano, and the Cultural Advisor and Deputy Head of Mission, Guglielmo Pirrone, this year’s event is linked to activities that have already been happening in this capital for several months.
The celebration in October of the centenary of Italo Calvino is considered the preamble to the meetings between both nations, as well as several actions to promote Italian cuisine and the International Havana Clásica Festival.
This is an event that will not only present Italian artists in Cuba but will also aim to establish more lasting relationships.
The interaction with Habana Clásica began in 2022 as a very positive experience and an agreement was also achieved between the diplomatic headquarters of the European country, the aforementioned festival and the Academia Musicale Chigiana.
The latter represents the oldest institution in Italy, with high musical training and close collaboration with the classical competition.
The initiative was based on supporting the presence of Italian musicians in Havana Clásica, not only through concerts but also through master classes.
As for the tribute to the honored writer, on Friday, November 17, the documentary Italo Calvino, lo scriptore sugli alberi, presented at the Venice Festival, will be screened.
The VII Historical Seminar on emigration and presence in Cuba will also be held on the 20th in the morning, at the Palacio del Segundo Cabo, Calvino’s family will be remembered and there will be a discussion on the 120 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
At the headquarters of the Dante Alighieri Committee and the Fernando Ortiz Foundation, the reading of texts by the intellectual will also take place, with the improvisation of the artist David Riondino.
The closing of the XXV Week of Italian Culture in Cuba will be held with the chamber music concert of the Chagall trio on Monday, November 27 at the San Francisco de Asís Convent.
