Every Saturday morning at 11:00 local time, the historic Calle de Madera adjacent to Old Havana’s Plaza de Armas transforms into a vibrant literary hub. This weekly open-air event, sponsored by Cuba’s National Book Institute (ICL), creates a unique platform fostering direct connections between literature enthusiasts and the nation’s literary voices.
The gathering spotlights significant works from Cuba’s publishing landscape, including Roberto Riveron’s critically acclaimed 2014 publication ‘El Tigre y la Mansedumbre’ (The Tiger and the Meekness). Published by Letras Cubanas, the nation’s prestigious publishing house, Riveron’s work represents a departure from conventional literary frameworks. According to ICL’s official release, the author challenges readers with an unpredictably structured narrative that examines national realities through a literary lens aiming to transcend local boundaries.
While superficially tracing a son’s journey across the island to visit his imprisoned father, Riveron’s text operates on multiple thematic levels, offering profound commentary on contemporary Cuban society. The weekly event forms part of Cuba’s broader cultural strategy to promote literary engagement and make literature accessible in public spaces, reinforcing the island’s rich intellectual traditions amidst its complex social landscape.