Havana gets ready to celebrate its 500th anniversary (OVER)

Havana, Nov 3 (Prensa Latina) In a few days Havana's 500th celebrations will have as main stages emblematic sites of the capital, and its main protagonists will be the local population and visitors.

According to the government of this city, the extensive program of festivities, which began last Wednesday with the artistic lighting provided by the Italian city of Torino of the busy Italy ave, known to Havanians as Galiano street, will extend beyond next November 16.

The program includes a wide range of recreational, cultural and sports options, thanks to the efforts that are undertaken to return the Cuban capital to its splendor.

More than 2,000 construction works have been completed this year, reported the vice president of the Board of Directors, Luis Carlos Gongora.

Among the international events, the Anti-Imperialist Meeting of Solidarity, for Democracy and against Neoliberalism, with delegates from 95 countries, and the International Fair of Havana (Fihav) 2019 stand out.

In the context of the anniversary, the monumental lighting of the Castle of the Royal Force, the Palace of the General Captains and the Plaza de Armas, and the Morro-Cabaña Fortress will be inaugurated on November 5 in the historical center of the city.

During these days, there will also be gastronomic, sports and cultural events along Galiano street; the reopening of the Santa Maria del Rosario Spa, and concerts of dancing and classical music, in emblematic squares and venues of the city, among other activities. Havana 1519 Rum, a special edition of Havana Club on the occasion of its 500th anniversary, will also be launched.

According to the program, on the eve of November 16, the great Havana night will take place, with cultural events along the entire coastline, including a fireworks display.

The Grand Gala 500 Anniversary will be held in the esplanade of the Capitol in Havana for five thousand guests. The day will close with a concert by the popular Cuban orchestra Los Van Van, in areas of La Piragua, on the Havana Malecon.