(Prensa Latina - Cumbancha) By Omar Vazquez and Ricardo Lopez Hevia (www.granma.cubaweb.cu)

Caracas, Venezuela - The Orquesta Aragón's performance at Los Proceres promenade was an expression of gratitude as they decided to begin the celebrations for the band's 65th anniversary along with the Venezuelan people. And a confirmation that it is still the Orchestra of yesterday, today and forever, as Roberto Hernández Montoya, an announcer for Radio Nacional de Venezuela said when introducing them.

The first performance took place in El Gaitazo, marking the beginning of Christmas festivities and was attended by over 5,000 people who danced to the band. The show was broadcast live on Channel 8, Venezolana de Television. The audience was mainly made up of youths.

The performance was attended by General Jorge Luis Garcia Carneiro, Commander General of the Army; Cuban Ambassador German Sanchez Otero; Deputy Culture Minister Julio Ballester, and other members of the delegation accompanying the Aragon orchestra, which played such songs as "El paso de Encarnación" and "El Bodeguero."  Singer Ela Calvo surprised the audience with "Siguaraya" by Lino Frias and "El Yerberito Moderno" by Néstor Milí, as well as boleros.

Before Aragon's presentation, Idelmaro and his orchestra, Erick Franchesqui, who sing Caribbean rhythms and a band from the Academy of Officials of the Armed Forces performed. After a beautiful fireworks display, Aragon took the stage and a group of youths expressed admiration to Cuba by waving a Cuban flag, thus giving an emotional touch to the already exciting night in Caracas.