Udomsak Sakmunwong (Thailand), President of the International Council of Folkloric Festival and Traditional Arts Organizations (CIOFF), described the 39th Edition of this Congress as constructive and successful.

One of the participants, Socorro Maciel, Brazil’s CIOFF delegate, gave these words that describe her impressions on Cuban cultural reality, right after an artistic presentation that took place aside from the Congress:

“The Latin American feeling is marvellous. We just had the opportunity of observing Cuba’s reality and the way culture is being made. Children are a priority and the work of Casas de la Cultura (local cultural centres) reaches everyone, even the elderly. We are impressed about the great amount of theatres and cultural programs. Previously, our outlook on Cuba was very different. If we had not come, we would have not had the opportunity of getting to know about all the things that are being made for culture here”.

High quality artistic organizations like La Colmenita, the National Folk Ensemble, and the amateurs Maraguán, from Camagüey; Tambor Yuca, from Pinar del Río, and Third World, from Matanzas made this clear.

Nisia Agüero, President of CIOFF’s Cuban Subsidiary, expressed to the media: “The delegates were amazed by the treatment received. Without any doubts, hosting this event was a highlight for Cuba; we had the opportunity of showing our cultural diversity”.

For further information on the Congress, in Spanish, please visit: http://www.casasdecultura.cult.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=111

http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/2009/11/17/cultura/artic02.html