The National Folkloric Ensemble of Cuba lamented the passing of Alfredo O’Farril Pacheco, known as Papá Shangó, first dancer, teacher, and choreographer of that institution, who died at 77 years of age, informed the institution itself from its profile on the social network Facebook.

For more than three decades, O’Farril dedicated his life to the dance arts, becoming a reference for Cuban folkloric dance and a trainer of several generations of dancers and teachers, specified the group in that official note.

In addition to his work as a performer, he was a professor at the University of the Arts and a promoter of African roots in the national dance, and in 2024 he received the National Dance Award for his career and contributions to culture.

The statement from the National Folkloric Ensemble highlighted that his legacy will endure in the country’s cultural memory and in every performance that evokes the force of Cuban folklore.

Founded in 1962, the National Folkloric Ensemble has been characterised by rescuing and projecting on stage Afro-Cuban, Hispanic, and peasant traditions, integrated into a contemporary artistic language.

The company has taken its repertoire to more than eighty countries and has contributed to legitimising the African heritage as an essential part of the national identity, in addition to training generations of artists and researchers.

Cultural authorities highlighted that O’Farril’s work is part of that institutional legacy, by consolidating a style that united artistic rigour and respect for popular roots.