Ana Teresita Gonzalez Fraga, Director General of Consular Affairs and Services for Cubans Residing Abroad at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, announced the decision at the conclusion of the 4th “Cuba Goes With Me” (“Cuba va conmigo”) Festival in France.

The resolution highlights that both individuals are creators whose work possesses high artistic quality and a profound humanistic character, contributing to strengthening the presence and prestige of Cuban culture on the international stage.

Furthermore, the resolution notes that through their work, they not only enrich Cuba’s cultural heritage but also serve as a source of inspiration and a living testament to the capacity of contemporary Cuban art to engage in dialogue with the rest of the world.

Mayans—a promoter specializing in artistic exchanges between France and Cuba—and Chio Alonso—a Cuban musician based in France—received the distinction from Gonzalez Fraga and the Cuban Ambassador to France, Yurielkys Sarduy Martínez.

The presentation ceremony was followed by a *rueda de casino* performance featuring Cuban and French dancers from various salsa schools.

The segment was led by Ivan Martinez, a Cuban choreographer residing in France, and served as the closing act for the event, which took place alongside the ECRE.

The “Cuba Goes With Me” Festival opened last Friday with a performance by Cuban opera singer Ileana Jimenez, who resides in Italy, and Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Napoles, based in France, who performed accompanied by his guitar and a group of fellow Cuban musicians.

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