The Cuban Handshake

Santiago de Cuba, Feb 16 (Prensa Latina) Artist Efrain Hechavarria made an image on canvas of the recently deceased troubadour Eduardo Sosa, painted with coffee from Santiago’s hills, according to digital platforms of the Cuban Institute of Music.

The work is exhibited at the Casa de la Trova Pepe Sanchez in Santiago de Cuba, as part of the photographic collection of the “Café con Trova” Series.

This initiative is led by Carlos Court and his Terrazas La Caridad project, which has been associated with the Casa de la Trova for more than a year.

Sosa, who enjoyed great popularity in his country, died early Wednesday morning, February 12, at the age of 52, in the eastern province of Guantánamo, victim of a hemorrhagic stroke suffered on February 3.

The singer-songwriter became known for his hits such as: Mañanitas de montaña, Retoño del monte, El son de Contramaestre and A mí me gusta, compay.

Also for his musicalization of the simple verses of Cuba’s National Hero, José Martí, and his versions of emblematic songs of the island, among which La Bayamesa, by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, José Fornaris and Francisco Castillo, stands out.

Throughout his artistic career he received multiple awards and recognitions, such as the Cubadisco in the Trova category, with the production Como si fueran mías; the Distinction for National Culture; the Raúl Gómez García, Abel Santamaría and Alejo Carpentier medals; and the replica of the machete of Generalissimo Máximo Gómez.

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Havana, February 15 (Radio Havana Cuba) –The children’s theater group La Colmenita de Cuba radiates these days the same charm among children and adults as it did when it was founded, 35 years ago — on February 14th, 1990.

Returning to its performances, such as the one last Sunday at the Havana Amphitheater, is returning to childhood with children and grandchildren, because more than one generation of Cubans grew up with its shows, dances and songs.

In Havana, where its headquarters are located, as in various provinces of the country, where over the years other hives emerged, the magic of the group spreads joy and hope to all who attend its shows.

In addition to giving away their art on national tours or in performances in areas of the country affected by weather events, which are frequent on the island, La Colmenita has infected thousands of children in different nations around the world.

The charm of Carlos Alberto (Tin) Cremata’s troupe captures grandchildren, children, parents, music and sports stars, as well as ambassadors or presidents who have been part of their audience and fan base for years.

It doesn’t matter what the show is, La Cucarachita Martina, La Cenicienta según los Beatles, Ajiaco de sueños, Ricitos de Oro or another… the charm is repeated, the smiles appear and the euphoria is unleashed among the spectators, the same with the chords of Pícaro pilluelo as with songs by the troubadour Silvio Rodríguez, the salsa of Los Van Van or the Bacalao con pan de Irakeres.

The group brings out the best in people, not only in its members; While the children perform, the problems and frustrations disappear from the audience; this has happened over the years and with several generations of “colmeneros”.

This February 14, Valentine’s Day, La Colmenita celebrates 35 years with the joy of making millions of Cubans happy and there is no better gift than that.

(Source: Prensa Latina)

Havana, Feb. 12 (JIT) – With three runs in the first inning and a great performance by Cuban pitcher Yilian Tornés, the Diablos Rojos Femenil team defeated its similar Charros de Jalisco 4×1 in the II Mexican Softball League 2025.

Thus, the team from the Mexican capital reached nine wins in a row, establishing the new record of consecutive victories in this tournament.

This was the winning debut of the left-hander Tornés, who came from the Aguila de Veracruz club. She worked 5.2 innings, with five hits, allowed one run, three walks and five strikeouts.

In relief was Santiago native Yamerki Guevara, who pitched 1.1 unblemished innings.

Diablos Rojos scored three runs in the first inning after the Italian Elisa Cecchetti, with the bases loaded, hit a ground ball that missed the Charros’ bullpen, going to the bottom of the field to empty the pads and the scoreboard read 3×0.

After that, there was a pitching duel in which Tornés was in control to keep the lead.

In addition, Leannelys Zayas hit a solo home run to make the score 4×0, her third of the season.

The Jalisco team’s only run came in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Valeria Quiroga.

With this result, Diablos Rojos extended its great momentum after winning the two-game series against the Jalisco ninth. They now have a record of 11-1, which allows them to remain at the top of the standings, while Charros has a record of 8-4.

After this victory, the Diablos Rojos squad will prepare to travel to Hermosillo, where on Thursday and Friday they will visit the Naranjeros Femenil team. On Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16, the Diablos Rojos will return home to host El Aguila de Veracruz.

In other performances of Cuban women in the Mexican League, the Tunera catcher Rosangela Jardines and the Granmense shortstop Yilian Rondón were nominated as Most Valuable Players (MVP) in the two games won by Olmecas de Tabasco (7×4, 4×1) against Unión Laguna, on Saturday and Sunday.

After these excellent performances by the Cuban players, Olmecas left the basement of the tournament and now has a 4-8 record.