1844. The Artistic and Literary Lyceum of Havana is founded in the Cuban capital.

This institution was created on the initiative of José de Imaz, José Miró and Ramón Pintó. It was located in a building located on Mercaderes street, between O'Reilly and Empedrado, in Old Havana.

The installation offered Havanans a space to exchange opinions, listen to conferences and present exhibitions.

1980. Rodrigo Prats Llorens dies in Havana.

He was born on February 7, 1909, in the city of Sagua la Grande, in the then province of Las Villas.

Over the years he became one of the great Cuban musicians and composers. He contributed works of great value and significance to the Cuban musical heritage. He also directed most of the orchestras that were created in the main radio stations of our country. Immersed in his work, after finishing a long-playing record that collected the complete score of Amalia Batista, his favorite work, his death surprises him.

The transcendence of his life and work are still present in the history of Cuban music and in the everlasting memory of his people.

1981. Commander in Chief Fidel Castro speaks at the opening of the 68th Interparliamentary Session at the Convention Center in Havana.

He notes: “We meet in uncertain times. I do not forget the diversity of criteria and ideologies that congregate in this room. But I start from the assumption that we are united by common concern for the fate of the world, where each of our respective homelands, and the peoples who inhabit them, occupy a sacred place in our hearts. I give you all the warmest welcome in our country.”

He then exposes: “My words may not please some, but they do not have the intention of hurting anyone; I limit myself to frankly expressing my points of view, based on facts that I consider objective, and I cannot omit the judgment that certain governments and policies deserve. When I do so, I am not criticizing peoples but governments, and those who disagree will have ample opportunity to reply to my words from this same platform, where they will be heard with the greatest respect”.

2006. Army General Raúl Castro delivers a speech at the opening session of the XIV Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held at the Convention Center.

He points out: “With satisfaction and pride, Cuba once again assumes the responsibility of hosting a Summit of Non-Aligned Countries. I appreciate the immense honor you do us with your participation and I give you the warmest welcome on behalf of our people.

“We would all have wanted these opening words to be delivered by President Fidel Castro, who for reasons we know is not with us in this room. In the midst of his gradual and satisfactory recovery, he has remained attentive to every detail of the preparations for this great meeting, so that it can be held successfully and with the utmost brilliance. Comrade Fidel has asked me to convey his most cordial greetings and thanks for the presence of all of you.”