Caracas, June 21, 2024.- The session of presentations at the ‘Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity’ event, which is taking place in Venezuela from June 20 to 23, concluded this Friday with the conference on Economy and Cultural Tourism.

The speaker, Reinaldo Echemendía, a researcher and director of the Camagüey Folkloric Ballet (Cuba), thanked the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) for organizing this gathering, as it is an ideal space for synchronizing the cultural expressions of the region.

Echemendía recalled the words of Commander Fidel Castro, who asserted that culture is the first element that must be saved.

He also emphasized that culture is indispensable for the development of nations, as well as tourism. He mentioned that this economic activity was essential for combating the blockade imposed by the United States. “It is a culture of tourism; tourism is the culture of our people”, he stated.

Culture as a pillar

Mónica Mancera, a Venezuelan music producer and member of the group Herencia, highlighted that Cuban culture has greatly influenced the artistic identity of all of America and the Caribbean.

In the context of Venezuela, Mancera indicated that culture “in our homeland was a complement, whereas today it is an important pillar, so much so that there is a law of culture”.

She considered that the creation of the Gran Misión Viva Venezuela, which supports and strengthens culture “allows all of us to embrace each other.”

The presentation also featured words from Roselyn Paul, a cultural researcher and former Minister of Trade and Culture of Dominica, who thanked the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) for organizing this celebration.

In her opinion, such events strengthen the identity of each country and foster integration.

This Friday, the ‘Drums of ALBA’ will continue with musical performances at Plaza Bolívar in Caracas.

Attendees will be able to enjoy the drum beats of groups such as Madera (Venezuela), Disidentes (Bolivia), Camagüey Folkloric Ballet (Cuba), Haynesville Youth Club (Barbados), Wasafoli Drumming Group (Trinidad and Tobago), among others.