Germany’s United Buddy Bear Expo debuts in Havana

Life-size bear sculptures were unveiled in Havana's historic city center on Friday (January 16). The colorful fiberglass statues are part of an itinerant German exposition known as the United Buddy Bears for its promotion of tolerance and understanding between nations.

They were inaugurated in Havana's San Francisco de Asis Plaza where they will be on display until March 1.

Each bear was designed by an artist to represent his or her country in a unique manner. Cuba's representative is named Siboney.

The bears, measuring in at two meters tall (6.5 feet), have been shown in 30 cities on five continents and were originally developed in Berlin where they were first exhibited in 2002.

A local historian heralded the installation of the bears.

"Revived by the colors with which each artists sees the world, that are here in the heart of the historic center [of Havana], a world heritage, giving meaning to this vision of openness, and as it's been said, of tolerance," Havana historian Eusebio Leal said during a speech.

Openness, of course, is a hot topic in Cuba these days with the resumption of diplomatic ties with the United States after a half-century of enmity.

Young Cubans on hand for the debut said the exposition is right for Cuba's current moment.

"I think it is a timely and opportune moment here in Cuba right now with this work promoting tolerance. Which to me, is all about awareness," art student Dayron Gallardo told Reuters in an interview.

The exhibit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations between Germany and Cuba.

"I hope that with this, the message of tolerance and friendship between peoples which, is part of the motto of the United Buddy Bears, culture of peace, doesn't get lost in the distance without being heard," Germany's ambassador to Cuba Peter Scholz said during a speech at the event.

To date, the bears have visited some 30 cities across the globe. Cuba's show is featuring 128 bears. — Reuters