Celebration of “Verbenas of Güirabito”
- Written by Heidi Calderón Sánchez
- Published in Photo story
- Hits: 1934
The Verbenas de Güirabito, a festivity that promotes the rescue of cultural traditions and the conservation of the archaeological heritage, was celebrated together with the activities for the 477th anniversary of the Hato de San Isidoro de Holguín.
This year’s celebration included the declaration of El Yayal archaeological site as a Local Monument of the Republic of Cuba, a distinction that recognizes the great archaeological, historical and cultural value of this community in the formation of the nationality.
After two years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrations were resumed as part of a community project aimed at pondering the values of the place where the first population settlement of the current city of Holguín existed.
Emerged in 2018, the Verbenas are an initiative to promote knowledge about agriculture, in addition to promoting good life practices and permanent action in caring for the environment.
Promoted by the Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) Pedro Rogena Camayd, to the south of the Holguín city, during the celebration a group of members of the community bring to life the popular legend that recreates how the Güirabito Indian came to these lands and his skills in food production, which gave him the status of cacique.
The festival summons the different art manifestations in the community together with folkloric traditions such as the bullfight of ribbons on horseback, cockfight exhibitions and other equestrian demonstrations and canine clubs, as well as popular music and dance.