Gerardo Alfonso to Close the 25th Edition of Rutas y Andares
A special concert by singer-songwriter Gerardo Alfonso will conclude the 25th edition of Rutas y Andares this Friday at the Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís. The cultural program, which began on July 8, offered Havana residents and visitors from other Cuban cities five guided routes, thematic walks, and a variety of inclusive and participatory activities designed for specific groups.
The celebrated singer-songwriter, known for his iconic song «Sábanas blancas,» will provide musical accompaniment to the festivities. Families are invited by the Cultural Management Office to bring objects or memorabilia connected to Rutas y Andares to be displayed during the event. Three families that contribute the most significant memories will receive special awards.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Wednesday will be dedicated to children at La Maestranza amusement park. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the park will feature new mechanical rides, inflatable attractions, and cultural activities to mark the program’s 25th year.
Transport in Havana and Virtual Routes
On Tuesday, participants in the Transport in Havana route will explore pieces from the collections of the City Historian’s Office museums, showcasing the evolution of transportation in the Cuban capital. This tour includes exhibits from the Automobile Museum, the Railway Museum, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and the Planetarium, highlighting maritime, automotive, rail, and aerospace transport through the lens of sustainability.
Among the virtual routes, «Back to Splendor,» dedicated to the work of Polish restorer Stanislaw Lorentz and his connections with Cuban historian Eusebio Leal, will be screened Wednesday at the Center for the Interpretation of Cultural Relations Cuba-Europe (Palacio del Segundo Cabo). On Thursday, visitors to Quinta de los Molinos can explore the Cultural Development Center of the Equatorial Guinea Network.
This summer’s edition of Rutas y Andares featured more than 90 workshops for all ages, the Ruta Joven, and Fotocleta cycling tours by a+ Espacios Adolescentes, alongside traditional museum visits and the Somos Uno walk. Many activities included sign-language interpretation for the hearing-impaired, thanks to the Culture Between Hands initiative. The program also offered a segment for international visitors coordinated by the San Cristóbal Travel Agency.
Origins and Growth
Created in 2001 by the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHCH), Rutas y Andares was designed as a public program to bring Cuban families closer to the historical and cultural heritage of Old Havana. Now celebrating its 25th edition, the initiative continues to expand, featuring renowned visual artists, intellectuals, writers, and prestigious institutions beyond the boundaries of the Historic Center.
Over the past quarter-century, the project has benefited thousands of families. What began as guided visits has evolved to include specialized walks (Andares), fostering deeper interaction between guides and families and enhancing the cultural tourism experience. Beyond opening the doors of Old Havana, the project has created connections that weave together all components of the historic city, as emphasized by OHCH sources.
In 2010, Rutas y Andares received the Ibero-American Education and Museums Award, third prize, in recognition of its innovative approach. The program is supported by an interdisciplinary team of sociocultural researchers, communicators, cultural promoters, museologists, historians, architects, and guides. From conception and planning to execution and evaluation, each edition represents a challenge, requiring creativity and expertise to offer fresh themes that continue to attract families, especially those who return year after year.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
