Havana - Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel evoked today the heritage value of the ancient town of Saint Christopher of Havana, on the 501st anniversary of its foundation.

On the occasion of this anniversary, the president recalled on Twitter a phrase by Leader of the Revolution Fidel Castro included in his June 3, 1998 speech.

'Saving Old Havana, admired today for being World Heritage, all that architecture that has inmeasurable value, protected,' Diaz-Canel quoted.

In 1998, Fidel Castro added: 'There is no citizen who comes to the capital who does not want to visit Old Havana, which has been preserved by the Revolution.'

The foundation of this town is celebrated every Nov.16, whose foundation year is 1519, the date expressed in documents from colonial times.

As part of the celebration, the traditional walk around the ceiba in the Templete garden took place yesterday, a building considered one of the main icons of Havana and foundation site of the city.

The celebration will strictly comply with health measures this time to prevent contagion with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, but social works will be inaugurated in the city, as well as awards will be given to outstanding personalities of the province. According to Agencia Cubana de Noticias, a special moment will be the tribute to city historian Eusebio Leal, who led the restoration works of the historic center of the capital and died on July 31, 2020.

Therefore, Teatro Marti will be reopened, with the premiere of a documentary dedicated to Leal, directed by Omelio Borroto, a Mundo Latino filmmaker.