Leoni Torres Performs Cuban National Anthem at loan Depot Park

May 19, 2024

This Saturday, Cuban singer Leoni Torres performed Cuba's national anthem at loan Depot Park, the Marlins stadium in Miami, despite numerous requests from the Cuban exile community not to do so following the team's censorship during the World Baseball Classic.

Leoni published a video while performing the anthem and upon finishing showed a shirt that proclaimed "Patria y Libertad." The former interpreter of Charanga Habanera was one of the honored guests at the Cuban Heritage Day celebrations and sang out loud the notes of the Bayamo anthem.

Many personalities refused to attend the event due to pressure from the Cuban exile community itself, which turned its back on the Marlins organization following what happened in the Cuba-United States clash in the World Baseball Classic, something that was not really the Marlins' responsibility, but rather MLB's. Leoni, for his part, maintained his position and attended the event despite multiple criticisms.

Cuban Heritage is an annual celebration held at the Marlins stadium in Miami. This event pays homage to the rich Cuban heritage and culture that exists in South Florida and celebrates the contribution of the Cuban community to Major League Baseball (MLB).

Last year's activities were also held with special guests, customized uniforms with the colors of the Cuban flag, music from the Island—including Cuba's National Anthem—and decorations for the occasion throughout LoanDepot Park. Jacob Forever and the Hernández brothers (Liván and El Duque) participated there in the first pitch throwing.