Omara Portuondo, Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts in Spain

December 21, 2019

Like the best athlete, accustomed to winning national and international awards, but in this case, in music, our Omara Portuondo, the Diva of Buena Vista Social Club, has just received the Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts in Spain.

Twenty-three other personalities who have stood out in the field of artistic and cultural creation have also been worthy of this important recognition, which was awarded by the Spanish government at the proposal of the Iberian Ministry of Culture and Sport. In a note released by this ministry, it explains that the medal is awarded to those who have stood out in the field of artistic and cultural creation and also to those who have "provided notable services in the promotion, development or dissemination of art and culture or in the conservation of artistic heritage."

Also called the "Girlfriend of Filin," at 89 years old she is doing better every day and remains in full activity. The first months of 2020 will receive her carrying out her last international tour that began last April under the name Omara es Cuba. The Last Kiss Tour. But she will spend this end of year with her people, whom she has always defended and will defend while she lives. As has already been announced, on December 28th Omara will be with the Miguel Failde Orchestra at the Casa de la Música in Varadero, in Matanzas, and who knows if she won't give us more of her performances for the 61st anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution.

If in music, as happens in sports in our country, the Best Artist of the Year were to be recognized, without a doubt, my vote would be for the eternal Omara Portuondo Peláez.

COMPLETE LIST OF AWARDEES

Patti Smith, singer
Rossy de Palma, actress
Chema Madoz, photographer
Alberto García-Álix, photographer
Martirio, singer
Julieta Serrano, actress
María Ángeles Querol Fernández, professor of prehistory
Martín Berasategui, chef
Carlos Ferrater, professor and architect
Pedro Salmerón, architect
Carlos Ruiz, professor of archaeology
María Eugenia Aubet, archaeologist and historian
Pilar Palazón, president of the Association of Friends of the Iberians
Víctor Monge Serranito, guitarist and composer
María Vargas, flamenco singer
El Taranto de Almería, flamenco club
La Platería de Granada, flamenco club
Manuel Moreno Maya El Pele, flamenco singer
Omara Portuondo, singer
Juan Carrete, art historian
María Nazareth Panadero, dancer and choreographer
Maria Bethânia, singer
Josep Pons, musician
Isabel Natividad García, bullfighter's tailor