viernes, 30 de marzo de 2012

Craftwork Project Designated Intangible Heritage





Aimed at preserving the centuries-old craft techniques, the Cuban project "Weaving Dreams with Fibers" was recognized by the Regional Center for the Safeguard of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Latin America (CRESPIAL).


The initiative, which has planned actions in Viñales to preserve traditional craftsmanship from the 19th century, will be sponsored by the institution with a 5,000 dollars fund, promoter Nieves Lugo told Prensa Latina.


The craftwork, made with fibers of Guaniquiqui, a plant that is abundant in the western Cuban territory, is related to tobacco, a typical crop in the region.


Production of handmade baskets to store and transport the tobacco leaves, a tradition that still cultivated at present, began centuries ago in that locality, which was designated Humankind's Cultural Landscape by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).


The hats used by farmers, rattles, containers to keep bottles of liquor, and furniture are crafted there, following similar traditions.

miércoles, 14 de marzo de 2012

A Website is Launched on Upcoming Pope’s Visit


Cuba launched an official website (http://benedictocuba.cubaminrex.cu/) prior to the upcoming visit to the Caribbean nation of Pope Benedict XVI.

The website, hosted by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, includes detailed information on the Pope’s scheduled three-day visit to Santiago de Cuba and Havana on March 26-28.

It also offers details on topics such as the organization of the Catholic Church in Cuba, the Vatican, Pope John Paul II’s 1998 trip to Cuba, and preparation works currently underway at Havana’s Revolution Square —where the Pope will celebrate a Mass.

The website also has biographical information on Cuban priest Felix Varela, who is being considered for Canonization as a Catholic Saint.

The Archbishop of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, addressed the Cuban people on Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit during a national television broadcast scheduled for 8:30 pm local time last night.