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Santiago de Cuba is in mourning following the confirmation of the passing of Carlos Acosta Laguna, director of the Paseo La Placita and one of the most emblematic figures of the Santiago carnival.
“With him goes a pillar of the cultural heritage of the city, but also a man who left a mark on the lives of those of us who had the honor of sharing his path,” wrote journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on social media.
"I met Carlitos during my teenage years, when I was just a dancer hungry for rhythm, and he was already standing out as one of the choreographers at Paseo La Placita. I arrived at the paseo under the guidance of the beloved Franciaco Zarzabal 'El Nene', who also passed away a few years ago, and in that universe of drums and endless rehearsals, Carlos was for many of us a guide, a teacher, an example," the communicator added.
Yosmany Mayeta highlighted the talent of Acosta Laguna.
"As a choreographer, he had the ability to transform steps into identity; to turn a simple formation into an act of belonging. Together with other great carnival choreographers, he elevated the aesthetics of La Placita to a level that transcended generations," he reminisced.
"Now as the director of the promenade, his legacy became even more visible. He was the guardian of La Placita's historical memory, an tireless defender of the roots, and an unwavering worker of popular culture," the communicator emphasized.
In 2017, Carlos Acosta Laguna received the Premio Memoria Viva in the category of Personalities, in recognition of his efforts to preserve tradition.
For years, "academics, researchers, and the media cited him as an authoritative voice on the origin and evolution of the promenade, and in all the ratification processes at the helm of La Placita, he received unanimous support from those who recognized his dedication."
"Today, his passing not only mourns the carnival: it mourns all of us who have ever walked, danced, or dreamed within La Placita," noted the journalist, who did not specify the age of the deceased or the cause of death.
"Those of us who grew up there, who have felt that pride as performers since childhood, know that men like 'Carlitos' do not die: they become tradition. Santiago loses a director. La Placita loses a pillar. And we lose a teacher. But his legacy will continue to march every July and whenever a drum sounds. Because Carlos not only directed a parade: he built memory, identity, and spirit.", concluded Mayeta Labrada in her moving text.
The death of Carlos Acosta Laguna has caused deep sorrow among artists, performers, neighbors, and generations of Santiago residents who saw in him much more than just a choreographer: a mentor, a teacher, and a symbol of popular identity.
A city that weeps
The death of Acosta Laguna has triggered a wave of mourning on social media, where hundreds of people have expressed their sorrow, gratitude, and admiration.
Many remembered him for his generosity, his artistic demands, his total dedication to the neighborhood, and his warmth as a person.
Here is a selection of the most representative reactions:
"A stronghold of our Santiago culture, a master of masters, hard to forget," wrote a user.
"Thank you for teaching us the art of dance. We shared many years at La Placita, from childhood to adolescence," recalled a user.
"A great artist and an even better father has left us. You leave an immense void, my king," said a former member of the group.
"Always kind, always willing to help. He was an exceptional neighbor," highlighted another commentator.
"He gave me my first opportunity to work in San Pedro del Mar. What a great sadness."; "I knew him as a dance teacher, but also as an admirable human being. His charisma, his smile, and his discipline left a mark on us."; "Thank you for your patience and for never saying no to anyone. You helped everyone who came to you grow."; "He was the soul of the Kabiosilé project. Director of directors. May the Lord keep him in glory," were other comments.
"You were my teacher in the 80s, and your legacy lives on in every step you taught. Eternal light for your spirit," noted another internet user.
"I didn't have the courage to see you in that coffin because I prefer to remember you alive. Fly high, Carlitos," declared another person who knew him, emotionally.
In addition to these spontaneous testimonies, several former dancers and artists confirmed that no representatives from the Municipal Directorate of Culture attended the funeral, an omission that was harshly criticized in the comments.
"It's a shame that no official institution was present at his final farewell. He was a great figure of Santiago's culture.", stated a commentator.
What is Paseo La Placita?
El Paseo La Placita is one of the oldest and most beloved groups of the carnival in Santiago de Cuba. Born in the neighborhood of the same name in the 1930s, it originated as a spontaneous parade of young people playing drums made from cans and dancing through the streets.
Over the years, it evolved into a formal carnival group that combines choreography, costumes, popular music, and oral tradition.
Recognized as a manifestation of intangible heritage, La Placita represents not only an artistic expression but also the living history of a neighborhood that has made celebration its identity. Carlos Acosta Laguna was, for decades, the soul of that promenade.
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