Performing Arts Celebrate with the Villanueva Festival

The National Council of Performing Arts has announced the Villanueva Festival, a commemoration marking 157 years since the historic events that shaped Cuban theatre. This year’s edition is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the birth of two eminent figures of the national stage: José Milián and Freddy Artiles, whose works have enriched and transformed Cuba’s theatrical culture.

A wide-ranging program will take place throughout January, including panels, staged readings, publication launches, and theatrical productions, according to Cubaescena on Facebook. The organization also urged followers to stay tuned to its social media channels, where more details on the activities will be shared.

Among the highlights are the exhibition Al teatro en La Habana, this Saturday’s concert Canciones viejas siempre nuevas under the direction of playwright Rubén Darío Salazar, held at the Theatre Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba.

On January 21, the Villanueva Critics’ Awards ceremony will take place in the Villena Hall of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba. The following day, January 22, the 2026 National Theatre Award will be announced, coinciding with the historic anniversary.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez