As the General Director of La Semana Cubana-Cuban Week, I am pleased to welcome you to our third annual celebration. This year’s program was inspired by my recent trip to Cuba. As I strolled the cobblestoned streets of La Habana Vieja , I came across an old friend of mine, Alejo Carpentier. We had met many years before in the pages of his novels. I purchased an old and tattered copy of Carpentier’s Ecue-Yamba-O from a vendor of used books and began to read. Carpentier, much like me, was intrigued by the notions of cubaneidad and la vanguardia cubana. He was one of the artistic pioneers who sought to mold African influences into avant-garde art forms that included music, literature, dance and theatre. Carpentier’s enthusiasm for all that is Afro-Cuban is reflected in this year’s program. In keeping with the tradition of our celebration, we dedicate our efforts to Oggún, the Orisha who in Yoruba mythology is the protector of soldiers, mechanics, engineers and chemists. Brother to Eleguá and Changó, he is in charge of fire, iron, hunting, politics, war and technology. Every effort is made to make this event open and free to the community. Without the generous support from our sponsors, none of what you will see this week would be possible. Thank you to the Las Positas Foundation, the Bookstore Funds, the Milanese Family Gift Fund and BasicNecessities.org.
Each year donations are accepted to help the children of Cuba. This year the donations will be presented to the Cuban Association for the Disabled.

Catherine Suárez, Spanish instructor and director of La Semana Cubana