For the Office of the Historian, this anniversary of the city began with a bow, to the memory of those who preceded us in the immense work of organizing history and reconstructing the past.

To that end, its workers met at the General Cemetery, together with the relatives of our deceased colleagues and friends. Then a pilgrimage was made through the eternal dwellings of all those people, who dedicated their lives to extolling the values ​​of the former Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe: today Camagüey.

The tour

This bow to the past began 22 years ago, with the dead of the City Historian: Gustavo Sed Nieves.

According to his close friends, the historians Ricardo Muñoz and Fernando Crespo, he was not a university student, master’s or doctor, nor did he need to be announced because of his position, because knowledge does not believe in diplomas. He was an essential being in the search for every detail of the future of Camagüey, a collector of clippings and files, an open encyclopedia.

For this reason, every February 2nd, at the same time as the beginning of the Culture Week, a large group of intellectuals and researchers walk to the cemetery, and there, next to the tomb of the great Sed Nieves, a tribute is paid to the last of the official historians of the town.

News

This year, in addition to the beautiful gesture to the memory of Gustavo Sed, another 10 colleagues were remembered for their dedication to heritage, all from various specialties of the Historian’s Office. In front of the 11 pantheons where they rest, anecdotes and values ​​were reviewed, along with the red roses that crowned the solemnity.

Their names are: Elda Cento Gómez, Leonardo Atencio, Raúl Manzano, Eduardo Sabido, Ignacio Álvarez, Amado Silveira, Elpidio Sed, Roberto Balmaceda, and Bertha Enriques.

Beautiful and emotional words sprouted there, to remember and thank them for so many efforts to preserve the legacy of this beloved city: magical and eternal.

The feel

At the end of the pilgrimage I toured the cemetery, to appreciate the many advances in its restoration and by chance I found the beautiful story of the master restorer Elpidio Sed Quintana.

Someone introduced me to his widow: Mirtha González, who was very moved by the tribute to her husband and the other colleagues, I told her that I met him when I started working at the Office, about 13 years ago and I had a great impression when I noticed the passion that Elpidio put on to teach the students of the trade school.

With her teary eyes she told me that he was a great man, one of those who had decency and kindness to share, he loved his city so much, that almost at the end of his existence, very sick he went to the works where his disciples were working and whenever he could share knowledge and skills, returned happy.

She does not forget him, although 7 years have passed since his departure, on May 5th, the fifth day of each month, she comes to bring him flowers and visit his grave, because she does not stop missing him. She is proud to see how many of his students today are specialists, who rescue every constructive detail of the great work that is Our City.

My impressions

It seems fair and wise, within the framework of the celebrations for the 508th anniversary of the foundation of the former town, not to forget those who left us a colossal work of love and dedication for heritage. I know that Gustavo, Elda and Elpidio, smile today from eternity when appreciating how many students walk in their footsteps, to continue their tireless work.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García