The 8th edition of the Fan Festival took place in Contramaestre. It was dedicated to Caridad Rodríguez, former president of the “Amigos del Danzón” movement in Cuba, and to Daudelia Soler Beatón, founder of the Danzón Club in the municipality.
The event sponsored by the Club del Danzón “Juventino Leguén Zamora”, presided by Enilda Rosales Duque began on the night of Friday the 13th in the central park Jesús Rabí to the rhythm of our national dance.
The event was attended by Mariano Del Río Rodríguez, national president of the “Amigos del Danzón” movement; Rafael Fonseca García, municipal president of Culture, as well as danzoneros and danzoneras from different parts of the country and the territory.
Cuban music, songs, danzón and a catwalk that united several generations were enjoyed at the meeting. The fans caught the eyes, they could be seen in the hands of a girl, a young woman or an older adult. It was a tribute to an emblematic Cuban garment with centuries of history.
Fan exhibition
The second day included an exhibition of fans at the René Portocarrero Art Gallery. The creations were made by children, young people and adults, a display of originality, imagination and innovation.
Enilda Rosales Duque was recognized as a National Honorary Member of the Danzón Movement for the work she does every day to keep danzón alive in Contramaestre.
Research papers on the history of the fan and danzón were not lacking in the event. The papers explained the roots of these traditions that are part of Cuban culture.
The Festival del Abanico 2023 concluded with a dance, where joy and enjoyment were reflected in the faces of those present. This event is an example of how our cultural heritage is transmitted from generation to generation.
By Daniela Reyna, journalism student.
