Havana, Cuba. -  “The Golden Age” was a magazine that Jose Marti wrote for Latin American children. Some characters from that magazine surprisingly escaped from the pages of a huge book that mysteriously appeared at “Frank Pais” primary school, in the municipality of Bauta, Havana Province. 
 
They became alive to share with the children the values and virtues that they represent. Pilar spoke of the kindness and altruism that overflow in her poem “The little pink shoes.” Baby proved her right by giving his new sable to his poor cousin in front of the amazed audience.  
 
Meñique (the tiny one) joined the cheerful retinue, always in search of knowledge that makes people grow when they use it to do well. The Naughty Babe apologized for tearing his daddy´s book, because books are treasures to be cherished. Leonor held her black doll very tight and explained that beauty is not what you see, but something you carry in a pure and honest heart and that skin color doesn't make human beings different. 
 
Suddenly, all those characters became very close and well-known. Pilar's mom had the same face of my neighbor Estrella Hernandez and I was amazed to discover her little Laurita under the feathers hat.  
 
Beneath the wigs, three-horned hats, laces and false mustaches, I spotted hundreds of parents and their children, all residents in Bauta. They all decided to pay tribute to the apostle at the Municipal Meeting of the Schools Council. 
 
By staging Marti´s plays, they advocated love for fellow men; sense of duty to the Homeland; compassion for the humble and destitute of the whole world; equality among all human beings and responsibility to take care of nature. 
 

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )