"My name is Lázaro Armando Saavedra González, but I could have been named any other way when I was born. My real name is Man, and I have become this man thanks to what other men have left behind. I learned this since I was a child from someone who introduced me to this difficult way of burning and enlightening my own way or other people´s way too. Through darkness and during several stages of my life, art was the luminous flame of a burning candle, a tool of thinking and for thinking, because when we enlighten our own way there is a chance to help enlighten other people´s ways too."
When President Obama announced plans recently to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, a bevy of U.S. industries – from automotive to tourism – seemed elated by the possibility of being able to operate in Cuba. The news was greeted with just as much enthusiasm from the culture industry: "Art Collectors Predict ‘Stampede' to Cuba," read one newspaper headline. Another trumpeted: "Renewed ties hit a high note for Cuban music lovers."
THE Cuban dance track of 2014 to get in the mood for celebrating…Cubanos siguen pa'lante!
A big loss to Cuban culture in 2014 was the death of Juan Formell, founder of supergroup Los Van Van, in May. Watch this lovely video for a taste of his magic "I'm not afraid of life"…
A very emotional rendition by the Cuban Five now all finally together back in Havana after the historic US-Cuba deal last week, of Silvio Rodriguez's anthem 'El Necio' ('the fool') together with Silvio himself.
On 17 December 2014 US President Barack Obama hailed a "new chapter" in US relations with Cuba, announcing moves to normalise diplomatic and economic ties.
In December, Havana was selected in Dubai as one of the seven wonder cities of the world because it represents global diversity of urban society, according to the president of the New7Wonders initiative, Bernard Weber.
The other six cities elected were La Paz, Beirut, Doha, Durban, Kuala Lumpur and The Philippines´ Vigan.
Don't miss this chance to see some original artwork by some distinguished contemporary Cuban artists including Nelson Dominguez, Kcho and Choco on show in London's Bolivar Hall alongside prints by Antonio Guerrero, who is known as one of the Miami 5 Cubans who have been imprisoned in the US for 16 years.
London Latin American Film Festival 2014
Ever wanted to learn to cook a lo Cubano?
Cuba has selected the Cuban film Conducta (Behavior), by Ernesto Daranas, to run as a candidate for the Oscars in Hollywood, and the Goya Awards in Spain.
Written and directed by Ernesto Daranas ("Los Dioses Rotos", 2009), Conducta (Behaviour) tells the story of 'Chala', a 12 year old social outcast from Havana, and his relationship with Carmela, his veteran sixth grade teacher.
With a colloquium at the National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) in Havana city, which opened 11 November, the 7th 'Arte y Moda' (Art and Fashion), is an event that since its creation in 2003, has been occupying new spaces and grown in popularity with the Havana public.
Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde, director of the Fototeca de Cuba (Cuba's photography library), is due to sum up the development of the fashion photography in Cuba.
Cuba 50 
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