Not without controversy, the San Juan Camagüeyano kicked off on June 23rd. Despite material limitations, the government of the city of Camagüey has organized the traditional event, which celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2025.
This celebration has historically marked the splendor of local culture. Merchants and workers, both Black and white, all enjoyed a festive episode that not only facilitated the sale of goods but also brought joy during difficult times, celebrating virtues and victories.
In the current context, the municipal government is aware of the issues facing the country, so it is planning a simple event with a traditional focus, open spaces, and cultural activities.
This June 23rd at 9:00 p.m., the festivities officially began with the reading of the Bando from the headquarters of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power on Cisneros Street. There will be five main areas: Plaza del Gallo, Plaza de la Libertad, Avenida Javier de la Vega, the Ferroviario Club, and the Casa de la Trova.
The day of June 24 is dedicated to the typical Camagüey’s ajiaco (traditional stew) in the city's communities for those who wish to participate and share with neighbors, family, and friends in their respective neighborhoods.
The following day, starting at 9:30 a.m., an exhibition related to this tradition, which has already lasted 300 years, will be available at the Alejo Carpentier Art Gallery, belonging to the collections of the Ignacio Agramonte Provincial Museum.
On the 25th, from 5:00 p.m., congas and comparsas will grace the different neighborhoods of the city with their rhythms: from Plaza Joaquín de Agüero (known as Méndez) to José Martí Park and Francisquito Park to San Ramón and to Vía Blanca (ending at the Zona+ store).
On the 26th and 28th, starting at 6:30 p.m., parades will begin on Avenida 26 de Julio, at the corner of Ignacio Agramonte, and will end at Plaza de la Libertad, featuring congas, comparsas, and five floats sponsored by state-owned companies.
On the 27th, musical and dance groups will tour the neighborhoods with routes reaching more distant areas from the center, such as Lenin Neighborhood Avenue and Madame Curie Avenue in Previsora Neighborhood. At 8:00pm. in Plaza de la Libertad, a collective of dramatic and musical artists will address the history of the festivities in the show "Memories of a San Juan."
Children will also have their opportunity on Saturday the 28th at 8:00 a.m. with a children's parade from Avenida 26 de Julio to Plaza de la Libertad.
From Thursday the 26th to Sunday the 29th, the Teatro del Pueblo will host various performances in Plaza del Gallo, featuring local artists who will offer shows for the whole family.
And as every beginning has an ending, the burial of Saint Peter on the 29th at 3:00 pm will close an event that aims to show that even in times of need, a smile can still be attempted.
Translated by Shelsia Alyeh del Pozo Milera (3rd year English Language Student)
Corrected by Linet Acuña Quilez