Jose Loyola said with the Festival musicians, dancers and researchers seek to preserve and promote the Cuban national dance which has experimented variations in style since it emerged in 1979.

This is the first big event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Assoicatin of Writers and Artists (UNEAC). It will be also dedicated to the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Tamaulipas and the city of Toluca, where danzon is considered as a local heritage.

Juan García, president of the jury, said special attention will be paid on different styles and that the jury will grant a Grand Prize to the best couple.

Musicologist Alicia Valdes, coordinator of the International Colloquium Danzon Habana scheduled for March 24-25, said to be glad with the number of papers submitted to the event (around 30) of which 18 dealing with nationality and identity will be presented at the colloquium.

The National Theater and UNEAC headquarters are some of the venues hosting the Festival in Havana.