1850. Francisco Covarrubias dies in Havana, who stood out in Cuba in the first half of the 19th century for his work as an actor and writer of plays.

He is considered in the history of this artistic manifestation as the emblematic figure of the Cuban scene, as well as the creator of vernacular theater in the country and initiator of costumbrismo in Cuban literature.

His birth took place in Havana on October 5, 1775. He received a careful education since childhood.

He studied Latin, philosophy, surgery, anatomy, and medicine. As a medical surgeon he worked in a sugar mill at the time, but since he was 25 years old he was captivated by the theater and this made him finally decide to abandon medicine and dedicate himself entirely to the development of artistic life. He was then 25 years old.

Later he had the opportunity to appear in different Cuban theaters.

Such was the acceptance that he had on the scene that he became the most popular actor of his time.

Francisco Covarrubias also gave his contribution to the development of Cuban theater in his capacity as author. He wrote a series of skits that achieved great popularity.

Francisco Covarrubias officially retired from the stage in 1847, and almost three years later he died.

1862. The outstanding Cuban pedagogue and thinker José de la Luz y Caballero dies in Havana.

He studied at the San Carlos Seminary and was a student of Félix Varela. Later in the aforementioned institution, between 1824 and 1828, he held the chair of Philosophy. He then spent three years in Europe and upon his return to Cuba he assumed the direction of the San Cristóbal school in Havana. He also taught classes at the convent of San Francisco. Between 1835 and 1842 he held responsibilities in the Economic Society of Friends of the Country. He then fought to increase public instruction by publishing articles of a historical nature and also divulged the life and work of Cuban literary authors. He considered that teaching should provide, along with the instruction of human beings, moral, patriotic and ideological convictions, as well as respect for beauty in its various manifestations and even hygienic habits. His concept of education was based on the active participation of students and he actually attached great importance to attending to the needs and motivations of children.

He was able to teach various science and letters subjects and always treated all his disciples and those with whom he related, in a general sense, with simplicity and cordiality.

His birth took place on July 11, 1800.