The community of Cayo Hueso in Central Havana ended the year in mourning with the passing of one of its most cherished residents, Roberto Torrientes, known as "El Focondo," at the age of 43. According to some sources, he succumbed to a cerebral ischemia. His farewell was marked by a profound drum ceremony.
A video of this heartfelt ceremony was shared on social media by Yordano L Munanga Ekue, capturing the emotional tribute paid by Roberto's religious peers. Many who knew "Robe" remember him fondly, shocked by the suddenness of his departure.
On Facebook, María Isabel Basulto Barreiro expressed her sorrow: "Rest in peace, my dear friend, we will always remember you." Gilberto Suárez, a close friend, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Rest in peace, my brother, my friend. Cayo Hueso is in mourning. Foco (Focondo) forever."
Roberto Torrientes, "El Focondo," will be remembered as a man and friend. "Focondo is signing a Ñampe," was written on his wall in reference to the Abakuá ceremony, an event held to honor the deceased, attended exclusively by men.
Born on July 8, 1981, Roberto's philosophy of "if you treat me well, I'll treat you better" earned him friends not only in Cayo Hueso but around the globe. Today, those who knew him hold him dear in their thoughts.
Frandor Valdés joined countless others in expressing condolences: "How unfair life is, my brother. Fly high, my blood; wherever you are, we will always remember you, El Foco. Rest in peace."
Mayito Cordero Pérez also shared his grief: "With profound sorrow, I bid goodbye to a great friend. When the story of Cayo Hueso and the Church of Carmen in Havana is written, you will be prominently featured as a protagonist. Farewell, my brother, Roberto Torrientes. May God welcome you with the joy you always shared with us, and in contrast, we bid you farewell with the sadness that good people inevitably leave behind when they go. My condolences to Yolanda, your beloved mother, your wife, and children. May perpetual light shine upon you, and may God grant you eternal rest."
Despite the trying times in Cuba, some farewells transcend personal grief to become newsworthy events. Today, it is the drum ceremony for Roberto Torrientes that captures attention, but in May, a large motorcade in Santiago de Cuba paid tribute to one of their own motorcyclists.
Such an event hadn't been seen since 2022, when another well-known motorcyclist, Yunior Tabares, was given a memorable send-off in Santiago. Similarly, in 2020, a motorcade accompanied Brian Quiñones to the cemetery in Havana, a procession that remains unforgettable.
Understanding the Cultural Significance of Drum Ceremonies in Cuba
What is the significance of the drum ceremony for Roberto Torrientes?
The drum ceremony was a cultural and religious tribute to Roberto Torrientes, reflecting the deep respect and affection of his community. It is part of the Abakuá tradition, which honors the deceased with ritualistic drumming and is attended exclusively by men.
How do public farewells in Cuba reflect the community's values?
Public farewells in Cuba often transcend individual grief, becoming communal events that reflect the strong social bonds and cultural values of the community. They serve as a way to honor the deceased and provide collective support to the grieving family.