John Lennon in Havana

Cast in bronze, the statue of former Beatle John Lennon keeps its human look in a quiet park in Vedado, Havana, as if he were inviting us to share a secret. On countless occasions, some enthusiastic fan, passer-by or tourist has not been able to resist the temptation of removing his round eyeglasses from which he seems to see life passing by.

With his thoughtful appearance, he seems to be thinking that peace is still possible and can be achieved amid this hell of wars and aggressions with which a handful of powerful people are trying to shatter dreams and completely erase planet Earth.

But Lennon is never alone. Or almost never, because for any Havana resident or any one coming from anywhere in the Island it is a temptation to walk through this park of leafy trees and sit beside him, who seems to be as alive as he was when he was singing or composing his best songs.

Sculptor Jose Villa even screwed the eyeglasses to his bronze Lennon once, in a vain attempt to preserve his work, the detailed image of that man who emerged from Liverpool to become unintentionally a radiant, universal symbol that belongs to all. In a futile effort, Villa has even urged the people to avoid the temptation to strip Lennon of his eyeglasses, but every now and then they are reported missing, too available and desirable a relic.

The former Beatle, in his life-size statue full of mystery and beauty, remains leaning back on his Havana bench, just a few yards from the Yellow Submarine night club and half a block from a music school where students learn to sol-fa under the protection of his company.

Our Lennon, the Cubans say, as in a tender prayer. And many visit him daily, in a pleasant pilgrimage. Lennon is part of Havana, as Havana is part of Lennon. As Cuba was part of Hemingway, beyond his literature. They can both be found here in places you can't imagine, and not only from the bronze statues that perpetuate them.

Again Beatlemania in Havana

The Beatles phenomenon arrived belatedly in our country. Since our early youth we knew that they were against the Viet Nam war; we could understand their beautiful, noble and clear ideas in their songs; and we could realize that they were, in the true sense of the word, peaceful rebels and advocates of peace and justice.

When John Lennon died, a homage was paid to him here too. In various ways we expressed our pain for that irreparable loss.

Today, when we see that there’s a park in Havana with a statue of him and bearing his name, a mixture of bitterness and pain along with a deep feeling of victory invades us. We cannot stop to think of those who are no longer, of those who died without knowing it was recognized that we were right, that we weren't mistaken 'cause we were Beatles fans.

Something we’ll always remember was the moment when Cuban musical composer and performer Leo Brower publically stated that the Beatles had revolutionized the music of the 20th century. But it was still necessary to wait many years to be able to demonstrate our affinity for this great group that has influenced not only the music of Latin America, including Cuba, but has notably influenced very important Cuban musicians.

Now we have an event called “Beatlemanía en La Habana.” In it, to our great satisfaction, several generations come together. Undoubtedly our children and even our grandchildren have grown up humming the songs of the Beatles, and now we are able to attend, hand in hand, to see and enjoy the diverse activities planned.

Once again challenging reality, since it concurred with the holding of the FIFA Soccer World Cup, this event took place at both the Plaza Cultural Center and the John Lennon Park, and concluded the next day at the Maxim Rock Theater in the evening.

There was also a photo exhibition illustrative of their songs, and in which one could also write down their feelings about the work and presence of the Beatles.

At John Lennon Park, the activities among Beatlemaniacs were set to take place at 8.00 p. m.; however, people of all ages began arriving early. Among them were those who pointedly called our attention to the adults of our generation on Harley-Davidsons.

With John Lennon as a witness, Beatlemanía in Havana concluded successfully.