In a significant cultural milestone, the traditional Cuban Son music has been formally inscribed on UNESCO’s prestigious Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The official designation occurred during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently convening in New Delhi, India.
The ceremonial presentation was conducted by Fumiko Ohinata, Director of the Secretariat of the 2003 UNESCO Convention, who presented the official diploma to Cuban representatives accompanied by Maiky Díaz, First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy in India. This recognition serves as international acknowledgment of Cuban Son as both a vital cultural expression and fundamental component of national identity for the Cuban people.
The UNESCO designation underscores the Cuban government’s ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting the traditional art forms that constitute the cultural roots of the Caribbean nation. The inclusion on this prestigious list highlights the global significance of Cuban Son while reinforcing preservation efforts for future generations.
Following the announcement, Sonia Pérez, President of Cuba’s National Council for Cultural Heritage, characterized the recognition as a cause for national celebration. She described the UNESCO designation as a well-deserved tribute to the creativity, cultural richness, and inherent joy embodied in the Cuban musical tradition, representing the artistic spirit of the entire nation.