Our Wonder City, the beloved Havana of all Cubans, arrives today at its 504th anniversary with multiple activities, including some restoration works on buildings and social centers of the historic part of the capital.According to information from the Office of the Historian (OHCH), with a view to this anniversary, several premises have been repaired and restored, including a polyclinic, areas of a hospital and maintenance of a house for grandparents. Among the works carried out are also the Vitier García-Marruz House, a cultural center that will continue the intellectual work of one of the most important families of Cuban culture, the Royal Proclamation house building, in Cuba and Luz, where 13 families will reside, with more than two decades living in OHCH transit communities; and the outdoors multipurpose area on Avenida del Puerto, which will serve as parking lot and a space for recreation and rest.
Another of the sites that benefited from the restoration, in its first stage, was the Palace of the Count of Jaruco, one of the emblematic buildings of Old Havana, built in 1738, located in the Plaza Vieja. The many activities include painting, prints and photography exhibitions, concerts, meetings and conversations with prominent Cuban intellectuals, music masterclasses and documentary exhibitions.
The bad weather did not allow the traditional ceremony of circling the ceiba tree three times. The Ceiba del Templete usually takes place every November 16 at 12 midnight. However, this ritual, practiced by thousands of Havana residents and tourists, will take place tonight Thursday. Today is also a day to remember someone who gave soul, heart and life to this beautiful city, whose historic center and system of fortifications is a World Heritage Site since 1982: Dr. Eusebio Leal, who, referring to his beloved town and the need to always take care of it and preserve it affirmed: “if they break this or damage something, tomorrow, we will restore it again.”
Congratulations to all Havana residents and all Cubans for this new anniversary of our beautiful capital.