TThe Centenary Tumba Francesa Society “La Caridad de Oriente”, in Santiago de Cuba, that barely a week ago was proclaimed by UNESCO “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Mankind”, is regarded as an authentic example of the Cubans’ sociocultural roots.

It emerged in 1862 and reveals an indelible trace of the art and life passed down from generation to generation by French immigrants and African slaves through the transculturation process in the Caribbean.

It features self and contagious landmark in popular beats,
chants and dances and its origin was the Lafayette Society, linked to emancipation struggles.

It survived through the will and joining of the Venet and Danger families, and is headquartered on Los Maceo Street.

A nice sonority is achieved with the beat of three drums or bulá, the premier and largest, with deep or high-pitched sound, and two small-sized secondary ones, whilst the tumbadora (Conga drum) is hung by the neck for specific rhythms. The vocal chorus is accompanied by cha-cha-chá or manugos, multicolor instrument only played by women.

Its dancing repertoire encompasses genres of the yubá, front or frenté dance, example of the strong African cultural roots which hold antecedents of guaguanco and rumba, according to Cuban ethnologist Don Fernando Ortíz.

Other rhythms are mazón or bantué, which reminds the Parisian dance salons like minuet, carabiné and the popular tahona, music-dance manifestations tightly linked to Santiago de Cuba’s carnival.

Gallo tapao is another genre, in which the chant reveals personal interests, conveying street and double meanings.

In La Caridad de Oriente woman has mostly played the protagonistic role in musical compositions and an example of that is the fact that in the international scenario 19 numbers by Gaudiosa Venet Danger have been acknowledged.

This group was declared Cultural Focus in 1982 and is currently made up by 26 Cuban and French descendants.

Given its historic legacy and sociocultural contributions, UNESCO has just declared it as Masterpiece, along with other 28 cultural expressions from several countries.

Source: National News Agency (AIN)