Sardinas won the popularity award and the “Juan Gabriel Compositions” category, while Rodriguez triumphed in the “Ranchera Music” category; as part of their prize, both will perform on Mexican stages and undertake cultural tours.

A civic ceremony marking the cry *Grito de Dolores*—which commemorates the beginning of Mexican independence—was held prior to the gala at the Karl Marx Theater and broadcast live on Radio Rebelde; during the event, the Mexican ambassador to Cuba, Miguel Diaz, thanked Cuban radio for upholding this musical tradition.

In this spirit, he presented the “Tree of Life” award to Radio Bayamo and to the general director of Cuban Radio, Yuzaima Cardona, who accepted it on behalf of all the country’s radio stations.

The ambassador praised Cuban musical talent and the love for Mexican artistic and cinematic productions, while also highlighting his country’s cooperation with Cuba in the wake of measures taken by the United States government.

The contestants were accompanied by the Mariachi Premier de America (Mexico), whose members will conduct a workshop for Cuban mariachi musicians on the 17th at the Casa Benito Juarez in Havana’s historic center.

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