All preparations are complete for the Eighth Cultural Journalism Colloquium, running from today until 22nd June, which will gather academics, writers, and journalists in Camagüey for this pivotal forum on the genre’s development in Cuba.
Organised by the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC), and the Provincial Culture Directorate, the event will feature Yasiel Toledo, national president of AHS.
Diosmel Galano, executive member of UPEC in Camagüey, emphasised that despite logistical constraints, coordinators ensured a high-calibre programme. This year’s edition focuses on literature and marks the 25th anniversary of the Territorial Publishing System, which has transformed local literary promotion.
A panel discussing this system will bring together Camagüeyan writers and representatives from five territorial publishers – including those from Cienfuegos and La Isla – alongside guests such as authors Maykel Saldaña and Evelyn Queipo.
Ediciones Lugareño publications from the City Historian’s Office will be presented, while the Camagüey Puppet Theatre will animate the opening ceremony through interdisciplinary artistic expressions.
The colloquium will feature debates on new journalistic narratives, journalism-literature intersections, and tributes to figures including activist Omara Durán and wrestler Mijaín López.
A highlight will be the panel dedicated to Pablo de la Torriente Brau Publishing House, involving journalists from Matanzas’ Girón newspaper among 13 guests from provinces including Holguín and Havana.
Juan Mendoza, UPEC president in Camagüey, stressed the event will train future journalists – including National Service youths – to strengthen cultural journalism practice.
AHS scholarships and prizes such as the Calendario Prizes will be promoted. Despite printing challenges, these maintain digital editions.
Xavier Guerra, AHS president in Camagüey, noted the colloquium aims to assess literary criticism’s state (particularly among youth) and elevate Cuban cultural journalism standards.
The closing session will launch the 2026 edition call, reaffirming goals to promote diverse, quality cultural consumption distanced from banality.
Traditionally held in June, scheduling adjustments were made to avoid clashing with other AHS events, confirming its essential role as Cuba’s cultural debate platform.
(Official programme release)
