This historic event underscored the significance of the “Grito de Yara” (Cry of Yara)—an uprising led by Céspedes at the helm of the Liberation Army—which took place 10 days prior to October 20, 1868, the date the city of Bayamo was liberated from the Spanish colonial yoke.

The date was officially recognized by the Council of Ministers of Cuba in 1980, establishing “La Bayamesa”—as Figueredo’s composition was originally known—as the National Anthem of the Caribbean island.

During the gathering at the diplomatic mission in Madrid, Consul General Liyris Aguilar Vega highlighted Cuban Culture Day as an occasion “on which we remember that a nation’s identity is built upon its history, its roots, and, above all, its people—wherever they may be.”

She noted that celebrating this date carries a “doubly valuable sentiment,” as culture—”that blend of music, poetry, folk wisdom, tradition, and hope”—serves as a bridge connecting all Cubans, both on and off the island. “Wherever there is a *son* [a genre of Cuban music], a *décima* [a traditional poetic form], a flag, or simply a word spoken with a Cuban accent, there, too, does Cuba live,” she added.

The evening’s joyful highlight was provided by the renowned Cuban singer-songwriter Osdalgia Lesmes, who performed a repertoire spanning bolero, son, cumbia, and even jazz—including the very song that propelled her to fame, “La Culebra,” as well as more recent tracks like “La Cumbanchera.”

The event also featured performances by troubadour Orlis Pineda and the group Los Orlando. It was attended by the Cuban Ambassador to Spain, Marcelino Medina, along with numerous representatives of the Cuban community in the capital.

jdt/mem/ft