The 6th Timbalaye International Forum that is taking place in Italy on Friday "is a hymn to culture," according to outstanding Cuban intellectual Miguel Barnet, who is attending the event as a guest of honor.

Barnet, a poet, narrator, essayist and ethnologist, president of the Fernando Ortiz Foundation of Cuba, pointed out on Thursday, during the inauguration of the event, which will last until May 25, that Timbalaye is a very noble and healthy project, “that elevates the much needed spirituality.”

The presentation of this new edition of the forum was chaired by Cuban Ambassador to Italy Mirta Granda. Also present were Marco Papacci, president of the National Italy-Cuba Friendship Association (Anaic), and Ulises Mora and Irma Castillo, managers and promoters of Timbalaye.

Granda thanked Barnet for his presence, which she described as a privilege, and highlighted the work of Mora and Castillo with this project, whose main goal is to rescue Cuban traditions in the world, as members of the community of compatriots living in Italy “who endorse their support for the revolutionary process in their country.”

At the event, held at the Anaic headquarters in Rome, the diplomat thanked the solidarity organization for “its permanent accompaniment,” its support for this initiative, and highlighted the cultural work of the Cuban Revolution and the contribution from Italian artists to it, “which unites both countries eternally.”