CAMAGÜEY.- Among the publicly assumed legacies of another era with a divergent regime and ideology in relation to the current political system, the Lectura del Bando (Reading of the Proclamation) in Camagüey reinforces as a tradition the practice of discourse from power.

This is an action initiated by the authorities that responded to the Spanish metropolis in colonial Cuba, with the purpose of regulating popular festivities, with marked emphasis on San Juan (Camagüey's Carnival).

For several decades, the Reading of the Proclamation under the sign of the Revolution dictates the guidelines of behavior for the Camagüey's Culture Week, with the speech from a balcony of the municipal government headquarters.

Last night we listened to this year's speech, given by President Dixamy Rodríguez, with a contained and precise text, in which she appealed to civility, to think about our essences and to respect the legacy.

The voice of a woman from that balcony was unthinkable centuries ago as an empowered main figure who, through her words, allowed the citizens to celebrate the reason for pride of the birth of the city.

As has become customary, the first of February in Camagüey makes the artists shine at the Bando ceremony and at the gala, although last night's event was peculiar for assuming the restored park of the Teatro Principal as a beautiful setting.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez