Rumba declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 1 (acn) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included Cuban rumba in the list of expressions that constitute Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to several media reports on the Internet.

Such a statement was made in the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, gathered in Ethiopia, and recognizes the social value of the cultural practices of communities and social groups.
Gladys Collazo Usallán, president of the National Council of Cuba´s Cultural Heritage (CNPC by its Spanish acronym), in her address to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, emphasized that they dedicated this declaration to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, who played a key role in the conception of Cuban cultural policy since the early years of the Revolution.
Collazo stressed that the main goal of this policy was the access and full enjoyment of art as a vital human right, and that the historical leader had a profound humanist vision that defended the cultural development of the people, a decisive element in achieving just, equitable and inclusive societies.
She recalled that in 1961 the leader of the Cuban Revolution, in his speech to intellectuals, stated the essential character of bringing the artistic heritage of humanity to the people and forging a society capable of understanding all artistic expressions.
The president of the CNPC pointed out that such a statement was lived with special emotion because destiny wanted it to be made in Africa, land in which Cuba and its rumba have deep roots.
She thanked all the people who made this inscription possible, especially Dr. Miguel Barnet, president of the National Association of Cuban Writers and Artists, poet, ethnologist and writer, who had the deep conviction that this day would come.
On behalf Cuba's Rumba musicians, Esmidio Iyerosum thanked this distinction because this is the history of Cuba sung and danced by its people and because it crystallizes the identity of the whole nation.
According to UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, Rumba is an expression of self-esteem and resistance, a synthesis of the oral and immaterial heritage where tradition and contemporaneity coincide with harmony.