Holguín Kids Transform Porch into Stage, Captivate Social Media with Violin Performance of Cuban Classic

A group of talented children from Holguín has taken social media by storm with their rendition of "Rico Vacilón," a classic cha-cha-chá by the esteemed musician and composer Rosendo Ruiz Quevedo (1918-2009). These young musicians ingeniously turned a home's porch into their stage, garnering praise from Cubans both on the island and abroad.

The video, shared on Sunday by the Facebook page Holguín en Fotos, features a group of youthful violinists skillfully performing the piece on a home’s porch. At the conclusion of their performance, the children joyfully shout "¡cha cha chá!"—an impromptu finish that added to the charm of the event.

Education and Mentorship in Holguín

These young performers are students at the Raúl Gómez García Elementary School of Art, established in 1979. The violin curriculum spans eight years and is led by the dedicated teachers Ana Cecilia Bahr Ulloa and Bárbara Cabreja Padilla, who head the violin and viola department.

The original post praised the efforts of these educators. "It is a tremendous honor for the Raúl Gómez García Elementary School of Art and Holguín culture to have teachers like Ana Cecilia Bahr Ulloa and Bárbara Cabreja Padilla. They exemplify what it means to be a true teacher, speaking little but demonstrating so much," noted the author.

Community Reactions and Cultural Reflections

The performance was widely celebrated for showcasing the children's talent and providing a refreshing moment amid the country's daily struggles. "Holguín is magical. Despite hardships, shortages, and waste, you find this marvel," one follower commented. Another expressed their joy succinctly: "Wow, it's nice to see at least one beautiful story from my country."

The performance also evoked memories of the city's vibrant cultural life. One user reminisced about the Sunday concerts by the Concert Band and performances by the Holguín Symphony Orchestra, while others applauded the ongoing musical tradition upheld by ensembles like the Orquesta Hermanos Avilés, which dates back to October 1882, making it Cuba's oldest group.

Challenges in Musical Instrument Production

Amid the praise, concerns were raised about the challenges facing musical instrument production in Cuba. A commenter identified as a violin maker lamented the closure of the Minas factory in Camagüey, which once produced barely 15 professional violins annually before shutting down. The factory, inaugurated in 1976, was historically the only one of its kind in Latin America.

Praise extended to those who keep the art of teaching alive despite adversities. "Congratulations to those children and my greatest admiration for the person leading them, who rises above so many challenges to teach and guide the group," another follower remarked.

Global Connection Through Music

Support from the Cuban diaspora also poured in, with users from Louisville, Kentucky, and Houston, Texas, sharing their appreciation for a performance that united Cubans worldwide through shared memories and music. "Beautiful, there's always room for art," concluded one viewer who followed the children's presentation.

This year, videos showcasing the musical talents of Cuban children have made significant waves on social media, providing emotional balance against the backdrop of crisis-related news. In August, another viral video featured a young Cuban who amazed viewers by simultaneously playing guitar, percussion, and singing.