I was sure I would have to write about him, but I couldn’t decide. I could not put together ideas write an article, because many memories came, they crowded, other times they left, until, finally, I am trying to organize my emotional file somewhat; Well, that is precisely what it is about, the intense emotions that I could feel every time we achieved a joint project, a communication or simply an exchange of opinions.

Mandatory memory

I do not remember exactly the year, but it all started with the invitation made by the director of the Office of the Historian of our city, José Rodríguez Barreras, to have lunch at one of our institutions: the Birthplace of Carlos J. Finlay, a must-see place infinitely special to every guest we had; Well, for no one is a secret that it brings together many values, not only historical, but also architectural, and of course scientific, and that each day that passes, is acquiring greater value.

With this man we were able to talk, share. With him and with his family even, because he gave us that privilege, something that I am very grateful for, because, contrary to what many may think, he did not introduce his family to everyone, only to those he appreciated and distinguished.

The messages that we exchanged at various times and significant dates of the year were a sure thing and expected; it became a habit, and are kept by me as a relic, which I sometimes read and reread, resisting to believe that there will never be that reciprocity again, because he is no longer physically here. That’s when I prefer to think that he is touring one of the many countries in the world that welcomed him and his group with joy, and that is why he cannot respond as attentively and affectionately he used to do.

How could he not behave that way if he was a Gentleman? Not only son, the one that he defended tooth and nail and that thanks, largely to his care, managed to declare May 8th Cuban Son Day and continued to fight UNESCO to declare it as an Intangible Heritage of the Humanity.

Unforgettable memories

It is impossible not to think about him when speaking in Camagüey of the “Arlequín Artistic Ensemble” and its dance, of “Soneros de Camacho”, a group directed by his father Nené until almost the end of its life, of the ” Waterpot Festivities” event the he daydreamed, created and managed to make a true symbol for our land, the one that cried for him on September 1st, after having waited days for better news.

It is also impossible to get used to not hearing his voice live when he alludes to his mother Rosa Zayas in the emblematic theme that few Cubans, and even foreigners, cannot stop dancing when we listen to it. It was impossible not to see him at the concerts that he freely gave to this city whenever he could and had a chance. But, as I have also told you and I reiterate, I am reluctant to believe it, that is why, when I pass through República Street, by the place that one day was baptized as “El rincón del Caballero”, in his honor and that years later It was changed to “The Music Corner”; I imagine him there, as so many times, entering and greeting everyone who approached him as he passed by, and inviting them to see his batch of San Juan on Padre Valencia Street, in the cabaret of excellence, which also, thanks to him it was redesigned.

Then I breathe, and I continue on my way, with the certainty that this town will always continue faithful to the love and affection that he, Adalberto Álvarez Zayas, professed for it.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García