CubaPLUS Magazine

Every August 22 since 1960, World Folklore Day is celebrated with the aim of paying tribute to the artistic and indigenous expressions that reflect the traditions and customs of the peoples and, in turn, to all the people, including scholars and researchers, who in one way or another are linked to this manifestation.

Established by UNESCO during the first International Congress of Folklore, held in the Argentine capital, this commemoration also serves as a recognition to the British archaeologist William John Thoms, who used the word folklore for the first time in 1846 in the articles he wrote weekly for a column entitled “Folk (people) - Lore (knowledge)” in The Athenaeum magazine.

This neologism spread and became generalized to define the most deep-rooted traditions of the peoples such as dances, music and celebrations. In Cuba, folklore is the result of the fusion of African, Spanish and Native American cultures. This mixture has resulted in a rich variety of cultural manifestations such as diverse musical rhythms and celebrations.

Danzón, salsa, bolero, Yoruba and Bantu are some of the dances considered to be folklore, and in the case of celebrations, there are the Parrandas of Remedios, the Fiesta del Fuego, the Carnivals and the Romerías of May, among others.

In essence, folklore includes the most deep-rooted traditions of the people, hence the importance of this celebration that contributes to preserving and enhancing traditions.