Various actions in movement are currently in Havana to honor its half millennium of foundation, to be held on November 16, 2019. Although, it is not a goal, but a milestone to continue working passionately for it, as confessed by the Historian of the City, Doctor Eusebio Leal Spengler.

In the Hall of the Shields of the National Capitol Leal Spengler spoke Monday to the press about the main works that are executed in the capital and referred, above all, to the challenges.

The capital, he said, is the head of the State, a superior among equals. "That's why I'm glad that today is more representative, less elitist, more shared by Cubans throughout Cuba. But we have the solemn commitment to explain, from school and family, social life in community. This is the challenge for the 500th anniversary of Havana, "he summarized.

The Historian made a call to work intensely for Havana, "each from the angle that touches him." "We must fight for citizenship education, for a behavior worth living in this city," he exhorted, while criticizing the mistreatment of public spaces.

There were two important elements in Leal Spengler's speech: that the whole world feels that the city is theirs and that the half-millennium is an incentive. "We should feel the pride of Havana not as an exclusive or exclusive pride, but as a pride that belongs to all Cubans," he said.

According to the Historian, it is true that the city has suffered over the years the impact of cyclones, of the profound social and economic changes, but at the same time the damage produced by the negligence.

The Havana that we want to commemorate is not only that of the Renaissance palace - the National Capitol - or the Queen's Church, or the dome of the Russian Cathedral, but also what happened inside it: "Havana of music, of the masters and educators, of the workers and builders, of the artists, Havana of all, "argued the Historian.

Referring to the actions for half a millennium, Leal Spengler said that "Havana is so important in Fifth Avenue and Malecón, as in Calzada del Cerro or Calle 41. Therefore, our vision must be broad. I am not the Historian of Old Havana, I am the Historian of the City and, therefore, I owe it to her. "

For years, he said, the Office of the Historian has worked for that purpose, on behalf of the nation. "We are part of a large project that has been undertaken by the provincial government and that encourages and promotes the direction of the country and the Party."

Leal Spengler pointed out that in the resuscitation of Havana there has been "the support of cities, states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, a support that is part of what we do; it is something to take into account and that should be eternally appreciated, but it has not been decisive. "

In this regard, he highlighted the political will of the nation, while acknowledging that change "in Havana is more difficult, because it is the largest conglomerate, the largest mass built, and therefore where there is more problems." Everywhere we face a challenge: in the networks of water, fiber optics, electricity ... However, although money is needed, the main thing is the will, which is not bought with any money, he said.
Works in progress for the 500th anniversary of Havana:
        With the housing program will benefit more than 700 people living in the Historic Center.
        Completion of the National Capitol, with the inauguration of some rooms such as the National Symbols, the Anthem and the Constitution.
        Museum of the Railroad of Cuba "Estaciones Cristina", located in front of the market of Cuatro Caminos.
        Camp of the Liberating Army, in the Quinta de los Molinos.
        New headquarters and assembly of the Automobile Museum.
        Castillo de Santo Domingo de Atarés, with an exhibition room dedicated to the Leonardo Da Vinci Collection.
        Rescue of the archaeological site Muralla del Mar, next to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.
        Rescue of the Conde de Jaruco Palace, in the Plaza Vieja.
        New assembly of the exhibition halls of the Museum of the City, formerly Palace of the Generals.
        New assembly of the Museum of Mural Painting.
        Rescue of the Alejandro Humboldt House Museum
        New location of the Monument to Major General Calixto García, on Fifth Avenue.
        Opening of the Casa Habanera Heritage Store.
        Stations of the new public bicycle system of the Historic Center, "Ha Bici" project.
        New exhibition rooms of the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.
        Enlargement and rescue of the Old Cultural Center Almacenes San José.
        Camilo Cienfuegos Elementary School.
        Training Center for Conservation and Design.
        New polytechnic school, appointment at Monte 51, Centro Habana.
        New public library Antonio Bachiller and Moral