The Danzón emerged amidst the musical creativity of Cuban composers, as the national dance, which did not mark a specific era, because as it was played and danced since ancient times, after the rhythm written by Miguel Faílde, in Matanzas called Las Alturas de Simpson, Cubans continued playing and dancing in the same way, with the first sound of the güiros or claves.

With the aspiration of rescuing this genre throughout the country, danzonero groups began to expand in the 1970s and 1980s. They have maintained the tradition and authenticity of this music, which emerged in the Matanzas region. Despite having been heard for the first time almost two centuries ago, it still attracts the interest of many young people.

With the creation of circles in almost every province in the country, as well as provincial, national, and one international festival, an important movement called Friends of Danzón is flourishing in Cuba.

The “Antonio María Romeo” Danzón Festival, traditionally held annually in the municipality of Diez de Octubre, takes place at the Raúl Gómez García Cultural Center (Calzada de 10 de Octubre No. 1302, Víbora, Havana City) in that municipality.

This year’s edition was the seventeenth of this event and was dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the emergence of what is considered the Cuban National Dance.

A theoretical event was also held, bringing together musicologists, art instructors, and researchers who discussed the history of Danzón, its relevance, and some suggestions for keeping the genre’s tradition alive. The festival also includes a couples dance competition.

To preserve and strengthen the Danzón tradition, the “Antonio María Romeo” festivals began to be held. Each year, the event sparks interest among residents of the region and other localities, along with the enthusiasm that is a hallmark of Cuban culture. As a result, a growing number of people respond to the competition each year.