Afropalabra Orality Festival: celebrating the power of stories

The Afropalabra Festival of Afro-American Orality, known as Afropalabra, will celebrate two renowned artists, Cuban ethnologist Natalia Bolívar Aróstegui and Costa Rican writer Queen Nzinga Maxwell, in its 17th edition from 20 to 24 March.

The opening of the festival coincides with the International Day of Oral Storytelling, which highlights the importance of preserving and sharing stories from around the world.

The occasion will welcome stories from different cultures in a gathering of voices and narratives that will enrich the collective spirit of the community.

The main venue will be the Casa de Cultura de Centro Habana Joseíto Fernández, an emblematic space that will host the different expressions of oral storytelling, recited poetry, Afro-descendant oral tradition, music, book sales and conferences. It is also a space for the celebration and recognition of the rich Afro-American oral tradition, under the general direction of the oral storyteller, writer and poet Mirta Portillo Barnet.

This event aims to pay sincere homage to the memory of those who have contributed to the enrichment of the cultural heritage of Afro-American orality and to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between communities through shared stories.

The 17th Festival of Afro-American Orality will offer a magical journey through the stories and traditions that unite us.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez