By Elaine De Valle. edevalle@herald.com. Published
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Most of the time, South Florida is consumed with Cuba's present. But for the
next several months, the island's past will be center stage.
Several Cuban exile organizations and South Florida universities have
planned a slew of events -- including lectures, exhibits, concerts, classes and
a film festival -- to celebrate the Republic of Cuba's 100th anniversary, which
is in May.
"From a historical point of view, 100 years don't come every day,''
said Jaime Suchlicki, director of the University of Miami's Institute of Cuban
and Cuban American Studies.
"When my grandmother turned 102, we jumped for joy,'' said the Rev.
Guillermo Revuelta, president of the Cuban Municipalities in Exile. "For a
republic that is young and has had so many problems, it has enormous
significance.''
Revuelta, who is on a centennial planning committee, said part of the reason
for the big to-do is to pass the torch to a generation of Cuban Americans born
outside the island.
"We don't want our children to forget Cuba.''
But Suchlicki said the tone will be subdued.
"Unfortunately, there was a lot of hope when the Republic of Cuba was
established and a lot of optimism about the future of Cuba. And the Cuban
Republic has fallen into the hands of Fidel Castro, so it's a sad moment in the
history of Cuba,'' Suchlicki said.
"We're not celebrating; we're commemorating.''
One of UM's many special events to mark the centennial begins today with the
first of a 10-week course, The Cuban Revolution: Causes and Impact, by Luis
Aguilar Leon, a senior fellow at the Cuban studies institute. The course, which
costs $150, begins at 8 p.m. at the John J. Koubek Memorial Center, 2705 SW
Third St.
The Cuban American National Foundation plans to officially open the Freedom
Tower on Biscayne Boulevard the weekend of the centennial -- even if
construction is not completed.
The University of Miami will present the lion's share of centennial-related
events, with classes, concerts, lectures, art exhibits and a film festival next
month.
In May, UM will present a piano concert featuring the music of Cuban
composer Ernesto Lecuona and, at the Lowe Art Museum, an exhibit of photographs
taken on the island by Cuban-American photographer Mario Algaze.
Also in May, Suchlicki said the Casa Bacardi interactive center will be
inaugurated.
"It's going to be an excellent year,'' he said.
For more information , call the Institute of Cuban and Cuban American
Studies at 305-284-2822.
Copyright 2002 Miami Herald | 
