Workshop for the bearers of the cacao traditions in Cuba

From 23-11-2007   to   25-11-2007
 (Baracoa - Cuba) 

This national workshop is devoted to the recognition and preservation of Cuba’s living heritage particularly through the promotion and implementation of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The three-day meeting includes:

• visits to the museums of Cocoa and Matachin,
• the opening of several exhibitions featuring drawings and photographs,
• field visits in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, Yumurí, Barigua, Paso de los Alemanes,
• visits to cocoa plantations presenting the different production stages,
• demonstrations of local dances, songs and typical dishes.

Dr Alejandro Hartmann, Historian of the City of Baracoa, also gives a conference on the impact/legacy left by cocoa on the city’s cultural diversity.

Approximately 70 participants are taking part in the various workshop activities, and a group of 30 participants, including bearers of the cacao traditions, experts and local authorities, meet to discuss and validate a proposal for the safeguarding of the cacao traditions in Cuba.

The draft proposal is based on the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the New Strategy of the Slave Route Project and the Living Human Treasures systems. It has been drawn up by the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean and the Cuban National Commission for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and will be disseminated after the meeting/workshop.