Tuesday, 04 October 2011 13:35
Pogolotti neighborhood
Cuba has many populated neighborhoods, but there´s one that has something special, Pogolotti, Cuba´s first working-class neighborhood.
Now in its centennial, it remains to be a point of reference for many, as historically, it´s served as a shelter for the population´s most needy since its beginnings on 24 February, 2011.
Previously called "Rendención" (Redemption), it was founded by Mr. Dino Pogolotti, president of the construction company that carried out the work within the Marianao municipality. Its present name is due to this man, who along with Luis Valde´s Carrero, were instrumental in this beloved neighborhood´s founding.
Full of mythology, folk wisdom and warmth, this area contains diverse beings, honest, dedicated workers and above all, simplistic people who you become close to upon the first time meeting them. They also have a contagious joyfulness in everyday celebrations, such as friends meeting up, birthdays and traditional, popular festivities that are celebrated yearly in honor of their neighborhood´s anniversary, 24 February.
Great men and women are associated with Pogolotti in a special way, people like the the first "assoluta" ballerina Alicia Alonso, the author Alberto Luberta, the orchestra composer and director César Pedroso (Pupi) and Oscar Valdés, noted musician during iconic group Irakere´s golden era.
The great María Teresa Vera lived here for years, and others such as Natalia Bolívar, the revered North American Lucius Walker and the legendary Mexican singer Toña La Negra made repeat visits to this renowned neighborhood.
With an elevated tank distinguishing it, folklore full of extreme syncretism and customary bemba and crate drumbeats, along with gourds for Elegguá, Changó, Yemayá, Obatalá (Yoruba religion deities) and exquisite Oshun violins, the always emblematic Pogolotti neighborhood will never be forgotten, because it cannot go unnoticed in Cuba.
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