Guantanamo.- A tribute to Elexis Fernández Rubio Navarro for his decades of work and dedication to historical research in the town and region was the highlight during the 21st Baracoa: History, Culture, and Traditions Workshop, which was held at the Casa de la Trova, as part of the activities commemorating the 514th anniversary of the founding of Villa Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
The recognition was presented by the Association of Cuban Historians (UNHIC, in Spanish abbreviation), in Baracoa, an organization that Fernandez Rubio led until his retirement. The Curator’s Office in the City of Baracoa also awarded him the La Primada Distinction, in recognition for his loyalty to the town and its history.
The event program included the presentation of his book, “The Multifaceted Life of Anfiloquio Suárez Castellanos,” which explores the life and work of the well-known Suárez Castellanos, who created the municipal zoo in the town.
Several research projects on local history from different eras were presented at the theoretical event, including “Baracoa in the Wars for Cuban Independence,” by young scholar Willy Nelson Ruiz Guilarte, and “Historical Educational Contributions of the Honor the Teacher Project,” by PhD. Alcides Delfino Ferreira.
Other presentations included “The Plane Crash of the Cubana Yak-40 That Left Miami for Baracoa on February 3, 1980,” a study conducted by psychologist Yipsi Garrido; and a preliminary study of one of the identifying elements of the vernacular architecture of the First Village: the ventilators, by Felipe Pérez Silva, a member of the Conservation Office’s working team.
At the event, Alejandro Hartmann, Historian of the First City, presented and handed out an educational brochure on the Anthem of Baracoa and its history, prepared by the Curator’s Office.
For the occasion, the composer Yolandita Quintero, a special guest at the theoretical event performed her master piece.
Municipal University Center academics Alcides Delfino Ferreira and José Ángel Turro Gomero were members of the panel of the research workshop “Baracoa, History, Culture, and Traditions.”
The event was attended by Yulieski Rodríguez Matos, member of the Municipal Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba for social programs, and Eider Milhet Laborí, president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power.
