FAQs

About the Festival

Cuba Sings and Blossoms (Cuba Canta y Florece)

The project, initiated in Santiago, Chile in 2021 by colleagues Carlos A. Torres and Ernesto J. Espinoza, is motivated by the unjust economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba for over 60 years. This blockade is a coercive measure against the Cuban people. Various forms of struggle and countless voices from across the globe have spoken out against it. In this case, a group of artists from different nationalities united and were armed with guitars, violins, saxophones, flutes, brushes, and poetry. We aim for culture to be the sword and shield to defend the Cuban nation. Through art and the collective voice of the people, representing humanity's voice, we endeavor for our message to be heard once again.

Who supports this cultural initiative?

Andthenyoudie Collective

We are working closely with ANDTHENYOU Inc., established in 2022 as a groovy, safe, fun, and inclusive dancing space/lounge dedicated to hosting high-quality musical artists, dance parties, and local cultural events. It was founded by the multidisciplinary/creative collective ANDTHENYOUDIE. This collective is composed of people of Colour, allies of POC, creatives, and artists who seek to share their lived experiences through the power of art.

The Canadian Network on Cuba

The Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC) is committed to the strengthening of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Canada and Cuba, and working with international and national partners in order to promote social, cultural, political and economic relations between Canada and Cuba, on the basis of mutual respect and national sovereignty. The CNC's work consists of working to improve Canadian foreign policy on Cuba, countering media distortions of Cuban reality by disseminating information about the achievements of the Cuban Revolution in areas such as education, public health, culture, and democracy and human rights, and organizing and participating in cultural, educational, political and aid campaigns and projects involving Canada and Cuba. The CNC is excited to be a part of the Cuba Canta y Florece project and to help facilitate an immersive cultural exchange between Cuba, First Nations, and Canada, and is proud to be part of a festival that will showcase Cuba's traditions and knowledge-sharing, and the importance of understanding the impact of music and art on society and cultural development, as well as cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation.