Young Cuban students brought ancient verses to life during a classical Chinese poetry festival held recently in Havana's Chinatown. Organized by the Center of Chinese Arts and Traditions, the event featured interpretations of Tang Dynasty poems and traditional dance performances by local youth enrolled in Mandarin language programs.
Children adorned in hanfu garments recited works by Li Bai and Du Fu in both Spanish and Mandarin, while teenage performers demonstrated ribbon dances to guzheng music. The festival marks growing interest in cultural exchange programs across Latin America, with over 200 Cuban students currently studying Chinese calligraphy and folk arts through the center's initiatives.
"This fusion of Caribbean spirit with Chinese heritage creates new bridges between civilizations," said festival coordinator María López, noting that 2025 has seen a 40% increase in cultural partnership activities between China and Cuba compared to previous years.
