From Monday to June 1, Cuba is hosting the International Poetry Festival of Havana, whose 30th edition gives prestige to 82 international poets from America, Europe, and Africa.    

Dedicated to African poetry and the 90th birthday of recently deceased Cuban ethnologist, researcher, and poet Natalia Bolivar, the event features writing laboratories, literary recitals, book launchings, visual art exhibitions, and concerts.

The event’s program also includes readings in universities, elementary schools, communities, and the wooden street at the historic center of Old Havana. The closing event is at the ALBA Culture Center in this capital with the Opera de la Calle lyric company, among many other surprises.

The Festival’s president, Alex Pausides, stated that the event accumulated many wills, efforts, and generosity.

Pausides pointed out that a tribute to Palestine and Africa is among the leading activities of the Meeting of Poets in Defense of Humanity, which will be held on May 31 at the Jose Marti National Library.

There are also the Hispanic American Poetry Reading on the Generation of 1927 of the 20th century and the Word of the World meeting.

Another event is the opening gala at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi Convent in Old Havana, where the CubaPoesía contest will be awarded with an exceptional character this year for Cuban poets living in the national territory, Pausides said.

The meeting will extend its performances to the Poetry House, the Carmen Montilla Gallery, the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, and other significant places where writers can contribute to promoting fine literature.