Plaza for Children "Teresita Fernández" Inaugurated

July 21, 2025

As part of the celebrations for Children's Day in Cuba, the Plaza for Children “Teresita Fernández” was officially inaugurated, located at the intersection of Compostela and Teniente Rey streets, in the heart of Old Havana; and right in front of the cultural project “Happy Heart”, dedicated to the youngest and to the commitment to their artistic and social development.

The inauguration ceremony was the culmination of a day of free workshops offered by the House during the summer, where a large group of girls and boys were introduced to music, dance, theater, oral storytelling and visual arts, thanks to the dedication of outstanding artists such as Dila Martínez, Dayana Deulofeu, Mario David Cárdenas, Ederlis Rodríguez, Silvia Tellería, Jesús Estrada, Olga González, Gris García, historian Yahima Rodríguez, Rochy Ameneiro and Aymee Herrera.

The plaza is located at the intersection of Compostela and Teniente Rey streets, in the heart of Old Havana.

The event featured a show performed by children participants in the workshops, along with invited artists such as Rita del Prado, Rochy Ameneiro, the Habana Sueños company, Rodrigo García and child rumba dancers from Old Havana, where songs, dances and stories were fused together.

The plaza, renamed for the occasion, will become a permanent symbol of joy and creativity for children, with the support of institutions such as the Office of the City Historian, the National Council of Performing Arts, the Provincial Culture Department of Havana, the Icaic, the National Center for Arts Schools and the Cuban Institute of Music.

The event featured a show performed by children participants in the summer workshops developed by the “Happy Heart” House.

Likewise, tribute was paid to singer-songwriter Teresita Fernández (1930-2013), whose musical legacy has inspired generations; that is why the emblematic song “Because We Have a Happy Heart” resonated as a tribute during the celebration. 

Furthermore, the inauguration coincides with the spirit of the VI International Meeting of Arts for Children “Happy Heart”, held last May-June, which stood out for its focus on identity values, peace and the environment, bringing together national and international artists.

The plaza will become a permanent symbol of joy and creativity for children.

Rochy Ameneiro, director of the project and the House, emphasized the importance of continuing to work for a present and future full of art and peace; while maestro Rubén Darío Salazar, National Theater Prize winner, recalled that when we forget what it is to be children, we forget half of our lives.