Hermanos Saíz Association: 38 years supporting young art in Cuba
- Written by Milo García
- Published in Culture
- Hits: 142
Brothers Luis and Sergio Montes de Oca Saíz combined literature and social justice. Revolutionary struggle rhymed in their verses, and protest was the focus of their essays. The young men from San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río, aged just seventeen and eighteen, were killed during the Batista dictatorship.
The idea originated in 1961 when writer Aldo Martínez Malo showed Commander Fidel Castro a complete edition of their works, sparking the creation of a movement for young creators.
In 1986, at a national meeting between representatives of the Nueva Trova Movement and the Raúl Gómez García and Hermanos Saíz brigades, what we know today as the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) emerged.
The Holguín branch was established on August 13, 1987, and the province has since become an important center for young art, hosting events such as Las Romerías de Mayo and various music and literary festivals.
Notable members include writer Andrés Cabrera, who joined in 2019 and has received scholarships and literary awards, publishing novels with Ediciones La Luz, the association's publishing house.
Journalist and researcher Vanessa Pernía Arias, who published a book in 2023 about cultural journalist Bladimir Zamora, also exemplifies the association’s commitment to cultural critique.
"When I talk about criticism, I'm not referring to what we know as specialized criticism, but rather to the fact of analyzing a given event with solid reason and criteria, and not just limiting it to the news itself. Journalism is a continuous exercise in research, not only when reporting on a given event, but also in the daily learning that any journalist must engage in for their professional development."
The music section is represented by Lianet Velázquez, who organizes trova events and artistic activities for children in Holguín, encouraging participation and creativity.
On August 13, the AHS celebrated its 38th anniversary with a concert in Holguín, reaffirming its mission to promote young Cuban artists and keep alive the revolutionary and cultural spirit that has characterized the organization since its founding.