Earlier this month, Havana’s vibrant Chinatown buzzed with the sounds of recited verse and traditional dance as a classical Chinese poetry festival brought Asian classics to the Caribbean.
The event, hosted by the Center of Chinese Arts and Traditions, featured students from Havana’s local Chinese language programs tackling poems from the Chinese mainland’s Tang and Song dynasties. Dressed in flowing hanfu-inspired costumes, the kids traced verses in Mandarin before moving into graceful fan and ribbon dances—an immersive glimpse into centuries-old art forms. 😊
For many participants, this was more than a stage performance. “I love how the melody of the words connects us to a culture on the other side of the globe,” said María Pérez, a 17-year-old student who delivered a Li Bai poem with heartfelt expression. Through learning Mandarin and studying ancient texts, students are building bridges between Havana and Beijing.
This festival reflects a growing trend among young creatives to blend global traditions. It’s similar to DJs in Delhi sampling Bollywood beats with EDM drops or street performers in Manila mixing local folk tunes with hip-hop moves. Across South and Southeast Asia, cultural exchange is reshaping art and language in exciting ways.
By preserving classical poetry and dance, Havana’s youth are not only honoring a rich heritage but also sparking fresh creativity for future collaborations. Who knows—maybe the next viral TikTok trend will be a remix of Wang Wei’s landscapes or fan dance routines with a reggaeton twist? Stay tuned! 🎶🌏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
