Culture as a Tool for Social Transformation in Havana’s Historic Center
The August Cultural Program of the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHCH) is dedicated to a noble initiative: The Women’s Collaborative Network in Old Havana. The network’s members firmly believe that change starts with everyday actions, and that culture and civic engagement are powerful tools for transformation.
The network was established through the project titled «Promoting Culture as a Tool for Social Transformation in Havana’s Historic Center from a Gender, Social Participation, and Environmental Sustainability Perspective.» It brings together women from various sectors, united by a common goal: to make their community a fairer, more supportive, and sustainable place—for themselves and for others.
Within the network, each member contributes from her own space—whether through a business venture, workplace, or training process—to support those in need and strengthen the social fabric of the municipality. They also aim to inspire others to join them on this shared journey toward community empowerment.
As part of its August activities, the Cultural Program announces a women-led entrepreneurship fair on August 16 at Habana Espacios Creativos. The program also features an awards ceremony for families participating in Rutas y Andares, to be held on August 29 at the Minor Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. For this closing event, the Office of Cultural Management invites attendees to bring any physical memorabilia collected throughout the project, which will be displayed during the occasion.
In celebration, audiences can enjoy «Back to the Musical,» a performance directed by Alfonso Menéndez, taking place at Plaza Vieja as part of the popular Plaza Viva series. The show will include excerpts from beloved musicals such as A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz, The Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret, Singin’ in the Rain, My Fair Lady, Cats, Chicago, Evita, and New York, New York.
Mid-month, the Bonsai Festival will return to the Museo Casa de la Obra Pía, another offering from OHCH. This event will feature a variety of activities for all audiences, including the opening of the «I Am Art Among the Arts» exhibit, tree modeling workshops, raffles, popular tree competitions, martial arts demonstrations, interactive games, and craft displays and sales.
From August 21 to 23, fashion will take over the streets of the Historic Center to celebrate International Fashion Day, anchored by a major fair at the Museo Casa de la Obra Pía and extending into the main thoroughfares of the area.
Tribute to Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring
On August 22, the eve of the birth anniversary of Havana’s first official historian, an exhibition titled «Emilio Roig: In Defense of Nature» will open. Curated by Natacha Moreira Lino, with exhibition design by Catherine Álvarez García, the show will be displayed at the Sala de la Diversidad, located at 60 Amargura Street, ground floor, between Mercaderes and San Ignacio.
Roig is remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions as a historian but also for his far-reaching influence on Cuban society and culture. His work was part of a broader effort by an emerging generation in the early 20th century to restore hope in a country disillusioned after U.S. intervention followed by thirty years of struggle for independence.
An ethnologist, journalist, and patriot, Emilio Roig de Leuchsenring was a revolutionary at heart. Though unaffiliated with any political party, he consistently stood at the forefront of Cuban society, committed to just and democratic causes.
Classic Elegance on Display in Havana
On the penultimate day of August, the first edition of the «Concours d’Élégance: The Classics in Cuba» will take place in Plaza de Armas, organized by the Automobile Museum. The event will feature a showcase and competition of vintage automobiles, focusing on the classic cars that still roll through Cuba’s streets today.
Vehicles will be evaluated based on their technical condition, quality of restoration, and fidelity to their original design and aesthetics. Top honors will go to those cars that have been preserved in conditions equal to—or better than—when they were first manufactured.
The Automobile Museum expresses its gratitude for the collaboration and dedication of classic car enthusiast Csaba Csetenyi, whose efforts were instrumental in making this event possible.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
