They had been planning this meeting for a long time, the day finally arrived, the former students of the Vocational School, from the 1979-1985 academic year, from various groups, gathered at the bar-Palacio de los Matrimonios, to remember the years that almost everyone catalogs as the best of youth.

The first to arrive were Herlán, Ana María and Anisia, the organizers of the meeting, to finalize the details about various special moments, which would surprise their colleagues.

Then Niurka, Isabel, Nubia joined and thus they came to add 26, of them only 5 men, the predominance was women. Upon the arrival of a new participant, emotions abounded, a lot of joy, curiosity about the path that each one has traveled and above all, that eternal affection that left with indelible ties, those who grew up and were trained in the Camagüey Vocational School.

A song to friends

Raiza keeps his talent for singing fresh, that’s why he composed a song that includes everyone, their pranks, the moments lived, the dreams, the hugs and thanks life for having united them in their youth. Tears surfaced in many faces, which between chords were reviving the camaraderie and the memories of that age when they looked out on the path of their professional life. A standing ovation and hugs, gave way to something else.

A wedding in the palace

According to tradition, if you are in that Palacio there must be quinceañeras and weddings, so as not to miss the idea, two girls in the group wore quinceañera dresses, to remember that important event for family and friends, which marks the jump from girl to woman.

Then Herlán and Loli, who got married in Spain about 10 years ago, and kept their desire to do it in Cuba, took advantage of the place, the wedding dress and the notary colleague (Isabelita), to share their joy in such a unique meeting, Cheers and good wishes were not lacking for the carefree union.

The dance

Another space of confluence and camaraderie for these students was undoubtedly dance, traditional dances were their daily practice, therefore, with fans and a single gentleman (Herlán) danzón, mambo, chachachá and contradanza, we encouraged the six dancers, who still remember the rhythm and the choreography.

Applause and laughter enlivened the party, which joined the majority in a great conga, spicy jokes, jokes from those days before and finally, when they were already waiting for dinner… one of the dancers we were waiting arrived, Carmencita, the dance partner of Herlán in that dance group. We had to repeat the danzón and pose for the photo, her fan was waiting for her.

Chatting

My soul as a chronicler could not pass up such a beautiful meeting of ex-vocational students, to learn about each other, what they are today, what they keep from that unforgettable place and how united they remain today.

The development of communications allows them to keep in touch, rediscover those they had stopped seeing and above all, help each other in life, something that Cubans never stop doing, no matter how far they are from their land.

With my keen eye for details, I could see that in that group there are several doctors, nurses, teachers, health, education and government managers, engineers and architects, tour guides, lawyers, in short, all university students.

Camagüeyans who contribute to the development of the city, from different positions, a reason that ratifies how the Vocational School has been for more than 40 years a great educational center, a melting pot of professionals, but above all of sensitive human beings, lovers of their land and proud of their its roots.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García