4.5 Validity of the Patron Saint Festivities

In the Cuban province of Holguín, we find the Patron Saint Festivals, or, as they are also known, Major Festivals, still alive. Their origins in the Cuban archipelago date back to the 17th century.

This is a religious holiday imposed by the Catholic Church’s evangelizing policy and also has a Hispanic base. These were the most important celebrations held in Cuba. It also contributed to the development of Cuban theater.

The Verbenas de San Pedro de Cacocum have been held in this town since the 1940s. They were restarted in 2005 with the aim of rescuing and cherishing them, as they represent the most genuine expression of Cuban tradition.

Within this celebration, we find the space called “Absent Cacocumense,” conceived by the Municipal Directorate of Culture of the City of Holguín. It consists of a tour that highlights the progress made in the region through visits to new social, economic, and cultural projects.

The Patron Saint Festivals or Major Festivals are currently the most numerous festivities within the Cuban cultural sphere.

The painter Jorge Arche Silva (1905 – 1956), his contributions to the Cuban Plastic Arts

The plastic work of Enrique Caravia y Montenegro (1905 – 1992)

Wilfredo Oscar de la Concepción Lam y Castillo (1902 – 1982), the significance of his plastic work

The sculptor Teodoro Ramos Blanco (1902 – 1972), his work

The plastic work of Gumersindo Barea y García (1901 – ?)

The painter Carlos Enríquez Gómez (1900 – 1957), an essential exponent of Cuban visual arts

The work of the sculptor Juan José Sicre y Vélez (1898 – ?)

The work of the painter and architect Augusto García Menocal y Córdova (1899 – ?)