Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:10
Clotheslines on Havana balconies. Photo courtesy of http://farm5.static.flickr.com.
Havana, one of the most powerful cities that can be named, certainly remembered by all who visit it. All of its historical sites and celebrities, its friendly people, its myths and traditions enhance the magic upon being there.
It´s very common to see sheets, towels, all kinds of clothing, children´s backpacks and those popular "tennis" shoes hanging from the buildings, blowing in the wind.
This cultural phenomenon can be explained on the basis of Havana buildings, which have courtyards, tall pillars, houses with impaired roofs, possibly done by some neighbor, who being cautious, decides it´s better to have your clothes on your balcony with the shutters wide open, keeping a faithful eye on possible intruders.
We can say that this is part of our everyday landscape, so much so that one poet or another has subtly strummed a lyre´s strings, singing such brilliant songs as the well-known "Sábanas Blancas" (White Sheets), a song composed by Gerardo Alfonso, who didn´t want to let the wind out of a tradition that in its own right, sets us apart from urban society.
Part public ornament, part utility, it reflects a practical, very sensible way to dry clothes, directly in the sun´s rays, a sun which seems to be an ardent accomplice to life in Havana and all the energy within those living there.
It´s nice because of the mere fact that it gives a splash of color, even showing amazing designs at times, to give us a show that without a doubt is not seen in other horizons, even in countries with the most picturesque of landscapes.
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