Tourists are seen in the old city of Havana, Cuba, on Aug. 24, 2018. Havana's 18th edition of the "Rutas y Andares" (Routes and Tours), a socio-cultural program, makes use of Havana's many museums and historical sites to bring Cuban families closer to the heritage of the capital and the country to foster national identity and social values. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez)

by Raimundo Urrechaga

HAVANA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A unique cultural program has attracted the attention of over 14,000 Cubans this summer to discover Havana's historical, architectural and social secrets.

Havana's 18th edition of the "Rutas y Andares" (Routes and Tours), a socio-cultural program, makes use of Havana's many museums and historical sites to bring Cuban families closer to the heritage of the capital and the country to foster national identity and social values.

"The project offers the possibility to learn and have fun in a big open space like our city center. Participants can express their opinion, participate and be part of the conservation effort being done by actively engaging in different activities," Carlos Alejandro Diego, a young volunteer in the program, told Xinhua.

As a geography major at the University of Havana, Diego decided to dedicate two months of his summer vacation to helping the program which runs until Aug. 31.

Just like the young college student, Esperanza Miranda, a senior citizen, and college professor Odalys Perez, are two repeat participants of the program. Every summer they and their families enjoy the activities on offer.

This year there are four routes, including visits to 30 museums, chosen for their locations and relations to the program's theme.

There are also five walking tours through Cuba's Old Town and other lesser known areas of the city where ongoing restoration work can be appreciated.

"By participating in this project we share experiences with friends, meet new people and have fun. At the same time, we are aware of the importance of preserving Havana which next year will turn 500 years old," Miranda said.

The retiree said this recreational option has a very cheap price at only 5 Cuban pesos (0.25 U.S. dollar) per ticket, which includes up to three adults and three children.

"The project lets us appreciate the history of places we normally walk by in a haste but while we do the tours we can learn the city's secrets and untold stories," said Perez.

Along with her teen daughter, the college professor told Xinhua the program has become a truly educational experience for its participants who acquire knowledge and interact with highly trained professionals, who offer lectures and guided tours.

One of these experts is the young art historian, Liset Valderrama, who designed one of this year's four routes.

Valderrama said the program seeks to make features of Cuban culture visible, including those placed on UNESCO's Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

"The impact is very positive. Routes and Tours has served to enhance, promote and safeguard that heritage that belongs to Havana's Old Town and ultimately all Cubans," she explained.

For Valderrama, it is an experience that she has been passionate about for a long time. She joined the program as a teenager, then became a listener and later a guide.

"It's very interesting what happens in the project, we've seen generations grow up, children who came with their parents or grandparents and now participate with their spouses and families," she added.

So Cuban families are central to the project, said the expert.

At the end of each summer, families who participated in the most activities win prizes to enjoy more tours.

This year, 456 families won awards, said Katia Cardenas, creator of Routes and Tours and director of Cultural Heritage for the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana.

"We have a clever audience that helps us alert others about the urgent need to protect our heritage for future generations," said Cardenas.

The project, she said, had the character of a small community but it has evolved into a true cultural tourism option much appreciated by Cubans throughout the island.

Along with the traditional tours and events, 52 virtual routes were added this year, she said.

This opened up the program to a new audience previously unable to participate due to age or disability, explained the director.

Many other workshops were given including one for infants with special educational needs.

"The project has been a very important heritage educational experience, encouraging love for the city and its values," Cardenas added.