Tradition and Culture Shine at the Second Edition of the Canchánchara Festival
From December 13 to 15, the picturesque town of Trinidad, nestled between the sea and the mountains, will host the second edition of the Canchánchara Festival: Tradition and Culture. This celebration will showcase a rich array of artistic expressions, honoring Cuba’s vibrant cultural heritage.
At a press conference, José López Santander, the festival’s founder and leader, outlined this year’s key events. Among the most anticipated is the Mi canto a la Canchánchara competition, where seven works by local authors and groups will pay tribute to the iconic cocktail and its cultural legacy.
The visual arts will take center stage with Degustación Textil, an exhibition by Cuban artist Yudith Vidal from Trinidad. Renowned for her intricate textiles and evocative paintings, Vidal’s work celebrates the artistic identity of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plaza Mayor will host three nights of spectacular performances featuring acclaimed national artists, including Las Canelas, Vania Borges, Arlenys Rodríguez, Issac Delgado, Wil Campa, Waldo Mendoza, and Alain Pérez. The festivities will also include a parade of traditional melodies from Trinidad, the crafting of the Canchánchara 2024 by the Santander family, and guided tours to iconic landmarks such as the Mirador de Manacas and the Valle de los Ingenios.
An additional highlight is the presentation of the Canchánchara Excellence Awards, honoring 15 notable individuals and institutions for their contributions to Trinidad’s cultural landscape. Key venues for the festival include Plaza Mayor, Casa de la Trova, Casa de la Música, and Taberna Canchánchara.
Odalys Alberdi, Events Director of the Recording and Music Publishing Company (EGREM), announced a photography exhibition celebrating Cuban singer-songwriters from the Nueva Trova Movement in Trinidad. She also highlighted performances by artists like Divan, Tony Lugones, and Elito Revé in lively jam sessions. These events will be hosted by actors Ari Fonseca and Roberto Perdomo, currently starring in the popular TV soap opera Renacer.
Adding international flavor, the festival will feature Spanish cuisine and a performance by Giancarlo Pioli, the Italian musician affectionately known as El Rubio Loco, renowned for his Cuban-inspired music.
The Canchánchara Festival aims to preserve and promote the cultural values of Cuba, showcasing the traditions of Trinidad to deliver exceptional cultural products and unforgettable experiences.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
