Recognition Sought for Cigar Readers

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 09/29/2009

The United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ESCO) will vote next week on whether Cuba's cigar-factory readers should be designated as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to a story by Javier Otazu for the Latin American Herald Tribune. For almost 150 years, such readers have entertained the workers in the country's cigar factories by standing on platforms to read and debate everything from educational texts through novels to kitchen recipes and horoscopes. Since the coming of radio, however, most factories have tended to alternate readings with broadcast programs. ESCO will vote on the readers and 110 other candidates for such status when it meets in Abu Dhabi on October 5. Enditem