Report by Mr. Florian Guillon, the City of Varennes-Vauzelles, France
To mark the 2025 United Nations International Day of Peace, the City of Varennes-Vauzelles revived one of its signature initiatives for a weekend: 1001 Cultures! Enabling residents to discover a country in all its forms (art, gastronomy, music, dance, history, literature, etc.) through free events open to all, Varennes-Vauzelles vibrated to the rhythm of Cuba and savored all the island’s flavors!
On Saturday, September 20, André Chassaigne, former Member of Parliament for Puy-de-Dôme and Honorary President of Cuba Cooperation, came to share his experience and knowledge about the Republic of Cuba and the American blockade. He was able to visit the municipal health center and explore the city, before sharing a moment of discussion with elected officials and residents. He signed his latest book, “Cuba: A Star in the Night,” under the town hall pyramid before a public meeting attended by around fifty people.
At the same time, the Gérard Philipe Center in Varennes-Vauzelles hosted a Cuba Cooperation Nièvre booth; a gastronomic workshop was organized by the chef of the town’s residential care home; an introduction to Cuban salsa enlivened the main hall thanks to the Salsa Mi Estrella association. In addition, an exhibition by Cuba Cooperation and the Nièvre Genealogy and History Association (ANGH) was on display under the town hall pyramid.
On Sunday, September 21, on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Peace, the Cuban Ambassador to France, Otto Vaillant-Frias, honored the municipality with his presence and friendship. He came to unveil a catalpa tree, a symbol of freedom and democracy in North America, generously donated by the Villaverde store in Varennes-Vauzelles. After the speeches, including those of elected officials, elected members of the youth municipal council, Mayor Sicot and Ambassador Vaillant-Frias, the city’s commitment to the global Mayors for Peace network was recalled. Ambassador Vaillant-Frias concluded the discussions and delivered a vibrant message of peace, which left a lasting impression on the hearts of the residents.
The weekend ended with a concert by the Mecanica Salsa orchestra, which immersed the audience in the heart of Cuban, Venezuelan and Brazilian salsa rhythms from the 1970s to the present day.
Photos: courtesy of the City of Varennes-Vauzelles