Havana hosts huge peace concert

Revolution Square in Havana undergoes the final preparations ahead of Sunday’s concert for peace where more than half an million people are expected to attend.

The event has been put together by Grammy award winner Juanas. However, the singer has come under fire from Cuban exiles living in Miami who accuse him of pandering to the Communist authorities. The Colombian musician said: “ It hasn’t been an easy path, but I think the concert is one more grain of sand in the process of improving relations through art.” Spanish singer Miguel Bose gave his reasons for taking part: “Too many funds, too much money is invested in creating conflict but nothing is invested in peace. We believe this is a basic human right.” Juanas has angered Cuban exiles to the point where he has received death threats. Fourteen acts from six countries are due to take part in the free concert, which will be broadcast on television and on the internet. Recently Britain’s Royal Ballet performed in Havana and the New York Philharmonic are due next month as the US tries to improve relations with Cuba after a 47-year-old trade embargo.

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