Yenia Silva Correa

Well known as the site of the Havana International Trade Fair, Expocuba - Cuba’s largest fairgrounds and exposition center conceived by the historic leader of the Revolution Fidel Castro – is celebrating its 25 year history.

The 25 exhibit pavilions distributed across 60 hectares are designed not only to host events, and offer Cuban families recreational options, but also to publicize the country’s achievements in areas such as culture, education, health care and sports.

There are five large restaurants on the fairgrounds (El Coche, La pesca, Don Cuba, La Rivera and Tauro), as well as several specialized eateries (La Casa del Queso, La Hamburguesera, El Mirador, La Solera) and an amusement park, attractive options for thousands of visitors, especially during the summer. But they are not the only ones. Families can also enjoy recreational and cultural activities for children, as well as dance band performances by popular artists, scheduled with adults in mind.

There are permanent exhibits in the vast fairgrounds and the largest public attendance is noted during the months of July and August - surpassed only by attendance at the International Trade Fair - allowing personnel to prepare for the expected crowds and events.

Ángel Martín, development-design specialist and a founding member of the staff explained, "We have two big moments. First is the permanent exposition which goes from December of one year to August of the next. Then we close to empty the pavilions and begin work on the Havana Fair, which always takes place toward the end of October through the first few days of November."

The site has hosted provincial fairs these last four years, Martín continued, "We began with Pinar del Río. The new provinces - Artemisa and Mayabeque – took advantage of the opportunity to let themselves be known, and this year Cienfuegos has joined us."

Among the many services offered at the site are facilities for weddings, birthday and quinceañera celebrations, as well as for the holding of meetings and conferences. Available are a variety of service provision enterprises, a theater, a multi-purpose hall and meeting rooms in every pavilion.

Expocuba has been using a bank of photovoltaic cells donated by China to generate electricity for approximately four months. To date, the energy produced meets approximately 75% of the fairground’s consumption needs, while at the same time lessening the load on lines serving José Martí International Airport and the town of Santiago de las Vegas. "It was a great contribution given to the center and reduces the release of damaging substances into the environment," Martín said.

Given that school vacations are just around the corner, Granma International discussed activities scheduled for July and August with Ángel Isalgué Pérez, principal exhibit specialist. "For us, summer means taking the message of what the country does in different sectors to a large segment of the population which visits us during this season."

"Our program has always been oriented toward recreational activities with an educational side. This year, a special summer feature will be the Labiofam exposition, with a broad spectrum of products from this enterprise group. We are going to hold a Ciego de Avila Culture event, July 19-20, with activities planned within the framework of a Festival of Fantasy, coinciding with International Children’s Day. We will also have the Cumpliendo Sueños (Making dreams come true) festival around August 13, our Comandante en Jefe’s birthday."

Expocuba is a dream come true for Fidel. He came up with the idea and kept up on its initial development until it was inaugurated. We are the product of his great thinking and every year around August 13 we honor his birthday, because more than years, he is celebrating dreams come true, and one of these is Expocuba.

On the 23rd and 24th, we’ll have the Puppet Festival, coordinated with the Ministry of Culture; and ten meetings of grandparents’ clubs will take place in the Geology and Mining Pavilion, focused on ensuring "Satisfying Longevity" – every Thursday with the participation of a large number of elderly persons.

Expocuba has a group of trained professionals representing each branch of the economy, who interact with the public in a friendly, inviting manner.

Thanks to exhibitors and the staff in general, visitors can expand their knowledge and enjoy the environment, removed from the stress of urban life. This would not be possible without good human relations.

"There is no daunting task here. There is incredible team spirit. Nothing is insurmountable, not during the Havana Trade Fair, or the National Fair. One way or another, everything is resolved," Ángel Martín emphasized.

This same attitude was noted in conversations with other staff members, both veterans and those who are new. This was the case with Marta Abreu, who has worked at the center since its opening, and has managed the elevator at the Mirador restaurant for 21 years. "Wherever I’ve been needed in the center, I’ve been there," she said.

Inocencio Rodríguez, director of the agricultural area and Elsa Arechavaleta, a cashier at the Don Cuba restaurant, both with 25 years of service, feel the same way.

Elsa commented, "What has kept me here is the determination. We have always worked for excellence in our services, and that’s why I have stayed."

Another example is the young man, Dennys Afont, with 10 years at the center and currently in charge of the bar at El Mirador, who said, "Sometimes, we’re here more than we are at home. The relations are very good, and those of us in every area support maintenance crews."