CubaPLUS Magazine

The workshop "Toward the Integrated Management of the Guamuhaya National Geopark" concludes today with a firm commitment from all stakeholders involved in its progress to secure registration in UNESCO’s global network. Over the past two days, a multidisciplinary group gathered at the Topes de Collantes Tourism Complex, bringing together representatives from the three provinces that comprise the geopark: Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus.

New 10,000 and 20,000 peso banknotes will enter circulation starting this Wednesday in Cuba, as part of measures aimed at streamlining banking operations and aligning currency denominations with current economic conditions. Juana Lilia Delgado, President of the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC), stated yesterday on the television program Mesa Redonda that these new banknotes complete the previously announced update to the Caribbean nation's currency denominations.

Specialists, managers, tour guides, and community leaders from the Cuban provinces of Sancti Spíritus, Villa Clara, and Cienfuegos are gathering in Topes de Collantes for the workshop “Toward the Integrated Management of the Guamuhaya National Geopark.” The Gaviota Tourism Group, in coordination with Cuba’s Ministries of Energy and Mines and of Science, Technology and the Environment, is leading the event, which brings together more than 35 participants.

The Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba now includes new regulations governing the management, oversight, and allocation of foreign currency, as well as changes to the operation of foreign-currency bank accounts.

An international scientific team led by the Center for Environmental Studies of Cienfuegos (CEAC), with the participation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has reconstructed 238 years of environmental history in northern Cuba.

Cuba's Center of Molecular Immunology is currently evaluating the progress of a clinical trial using the 2C12 molecule in patients suffering from advanced melanoma. The clinical trial will be conducted in just two provinces across the country: in Havana, at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital; and in Villa Clara, at the Celestino Hernández Robau Oncology Hospital.

Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) is currently evaluating 36 projects submitted by non-state management entities to administer community pharmacies. According to a report published in the digital edition of the Granma newspaper, Cristina Lara, National Director of Medicines and Medical Technologies at MINSAP, clarified that to date, no pharmacy under this business model has begun operating or serving the public.

The exhibition “Palimpsestos, Orikis, Odunes y Mitomorfos en el Reino de Este Mundo” by Santiago-born visual artist Jorge Hidalgo will open this coming Friday at the main gallery of the Holguín Provincial Center of Visual Arts, celebrating his 85th birthday. Featuring a selection of the artist's works created between 2022 and the current year, the exhibition will remain open through October 11 at the art center, located at the corner of Martí and Maceo streets in the provincial capital of Holguín.

Cuba’s aging population will reach 36 percent by 2040, according to provincial population projections presented on Tuesday by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).

Cubans and Dominicans participated this Sunday in a mobile consulate session and business forum organized by the Embassy of Cuba in San Pedro de Macorís, a province in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic. As is customary, the diplomatic mission brought consular services directly to residents in the locality and surrounding areas, aiming to save them from traveling to the capital. The event also provided an opportunity to address migration, consular, and current affairs topics related to the island.

Cuba's Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) and the British Council will launch a call for entries today for a grant aimed at young DJs, as part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the organization of creators. The initiative aims to support the work of Cuban DJs and is named after outstanding musician Edesio Alejandro, winner of the National Music Prize. Its creation also responds to proposals from members of the young vanguard in various provinces; the details of the contest will be made public through the AHS digital platforms.

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Óscar Pérez-Oliva, announced today that the 42nd edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) will be held online from November 24 to 26. At a press conference, the official highlighted the creation of a platform for exchange with Cuban entrepreneurs living abroad as a positive aspect of this new edition. Pérez-Oliva explained that the event will serve as an ideal setting to outline the details of the 176 economic and social transformations introduced in response to the economic crisis facing the nation due to the impact of the blockade. In statements to Prensa Latina, Pérez-Oliva referred to expectations for this edition, which is marked by Washington's financial persecution of foreign companies conducting business with the Caribbean nation. "We know that many foreign companies that provided services in Cuba have withdrawn as a result of the financial persecution caused by the implementation of the U.S. administration's maximum pressure policy," he stated. He also emphasized that, despite current conditions, a good turnout of foreign business leaders is expected. While some annual participating companies will not be present, a significant number of new actors are expected to join. FIHAV is the country's primary trade and business event. It is considered an essential commercial showcase for the Cuban economy, where exports are promoted and new foreign investment opportunities are presented. (Taken from Prensa Latina)

Cuba's leisure industry now counts on four new resolutions set to positively impact the development of this key sector, informed the Legal Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Juan José Álvarez. The new legal regulations, published Thursday in the Official Gazette, have a substantive impact on tourism activity directly linked to foreign investment, with the scope extending in some cases to non-state management entities, Álvarez specified.

On Thursday, Cuba published a package of legal regulations in the Official Gazette easing foreign investment and foreign trade rules to streamline procedures, shorten processing times, and respond to investor demands. Oscar Pérez-Oliva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, explained that regarding foreign investment, Decree-Law 128/2026 was published, amending Law 114.

Cuba, with its rich history and striking architectural heritage, is home to several castles and fortresses that stand as silent witnesses to its colonial and military past. These imposing structures offer not only a window into yesteryear but also captivating destinations for travelers. Among the most famous is the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, perched at the entrance to Havana Bay. Built in the 16th century to defend the city against corsairs and pirates, this fortress—crowned by its iconic lighthouse—has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Cuban capital. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of both the bay and the cityscape.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), the Directorate of Foreign Trade, and the Cienfuegos regional branch of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, the business forum "The Pearl of the South: A Destination of Opportunities" will take place next October to showcase tourism investment potential in the Cuban province. According to a report published by the weekly newsletter Excelencias Cuba, the gathering will allow attendees to explore new commercial prospects. Participation is open to private-sector entrepreneurs interested in tourism, as well as Cuban nationals residing abroad.

Without a doubt, one of the most enduring anthems of Cuban popular music is “Cienfuegos,” composed by the iconic musician Benny Moré, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the island’s musical history.

Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted that a new drug candidate developed by the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM) is ready to undergo testing in patients with advanced melanoma, as part of the country’s ongoing cancer research initiatives.

For nearly three centuries, the Fortress of Our Lady of the Angels of Jagua—commonly known as the Jagua Castle (Castillo de Jagua)—has stood imposing guard over the south-central coast of Cuba.

Located along Cuba’s southern coast, Cienfuegos—capital of the province of the same name—is undoubtedly one of the island's most beautiful cities, whose rich history and traditions come alive through its museums. Continuing our island-wide museum tour, which began in Havana and carried us through Pinar del Río, Matanzas, and Villa Clara, we now arrive in the famed "Pearl of the South" (La Perla del Sur) to explore some of its most iconic cultural institutions.