By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 25, 2025: In a colorful and historic ceremony held at the Embassy of Cuba in Aberdeen, Freetown, Ambassador Norma Sánchez Águila led the celebration of Cuba’s National Day of Culture, marking the first official commemoration of the event in Sierra Leone.
The celebration, dedicated to the centenaries of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz, playwright Abelardo Estorino, and student movement pioneer Julio Antonio Mella—as well as the 95th anniversary of cultural icon Armando Hart Dávalos—highlighted the enduring cultural and historical ties between Cuba and Africa.
🎶 A Tribute Rooted in History
Cuba’s National Day of Culture, officially declared on August 22, 1980, is observed annually on October 20 to commemorate the first public singing of the Cuban national anthem, La Bayamesa, in 1868 following the liberation of Bayamo during the island’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
“This is a day of deep national pride,” Ambassador Águila told Premier News. “It was on October 20 that the Cuban flag was first raised and our anthem was sung. That is why we begin our celebration with it—because it marks the birth of our cultural identity.”
🎨 Art, Music, and Community
The event featured a vibrant showcase of cultural expression, including:
National anthems of Cuba and Sierra Leone
Art exhibitions by the Kompin Artists, a collective of Sierra Leonean painters
Performances by the Veteran Artists Association–SL (VAA–SL)
Musical renditions by the Voice of Fire Junior Choir and flutist I-Bangs
A gymnastics display by the Balusaju Kids
Guests included representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic corps, and members of the local community, all gathered to celebrate the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.
🌍 A Legacy of Solidarity with Africa
Ambassador Águila emphasized that Cuba’s culture is inseparable from its revolutionary history and African heritage. “Culture is not just art—it is our language, traditions, and history. It is everything that makes us who we are,” she said.
She paid tribute to Fidel Castro’s legacy of solidarity with Africa, recalling Cuba’s pivotal role in supporting liberation movements across the continent:
In Angola, Cuban troops helped secure independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975.
In Namibia, Cuba’s military support in Angola contributed to the defeat of apartheid forces, paving the way for independence in 1990.
Cuba also provided thousands of scholarships to African students and deployed medical brigades to countries in need. “We believe in sharing what we have, even if it’s little,” Ambassador Águila said. “That’s why we send doctors, engineers, and teachers to help our friends around the world.”
Cuba–Sierra Leone Relations: A Model of Cooperation
The ambassador highlighted Cuba’s longstanding support to Sierra Leone, including: Deployment of 165 health workers during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak; medical assistance during the 2017 mudslides and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic; and ongoing educational exchanges, with 18 Sierra Leonean students currently studying medicine in Cuba
Diplomatic relations between the two countries, established on April 24, 1972, recently marked their 53rd anniversary, underscoring decades of cooperation in health, education, and culture.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Águila reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to Sierra Leone:
“Cuba will always stand with you. We will help whenever you need us. As Cuba’s ambassador, I am here to work hand in hand with the people of Sierra Leone to strengthen our friendship and cooperation.”
The audience responded with resounding applause. “We are very proud to have the Embassy of Cuba in Sierra Leone,” said attendee Mariama Sesay. “With collaboration and unity, our nations will grow.”