Cubans are celebrating over the next few days with street parties, while musical bands and the country's top singers will perform on outdoor stages across the island.

The popular band Los Van Van, whose director Juan Formel was recently awarded the 2003 National Music Award, will lead the festivities in Havana -- along with Pablo FG, Pedrito Calvo y la Justicia, Issac Delgado and the popular duo Buena Fe. The mixture of rhythms range from traditional Cuban music to pop, fusion, rock and hip-hop.

Special programming has been announced for radio and television stations, with popular films being shown at all the movie theaters. Moviegoers will have the chance to see the Cuban films "Roble de Olor" and "Suite Habana," which won several awards at the 25th New Latin American Film Festival, and others at international film festivals.

Havana's Grand Theater will present the Cuban National Ballet with "Cascanueces" -- The Nutcracker -- a classic dance by the company founded 55 years ago by Prima Ballerina Alicia Alonso.

Throughout the world, political parties and personalities have sent special greetings to the Cuban people on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of their Revolution.

Cuba Offers to Help the United States in Fight Against Mad Cow Disease

Havana, December 31 (RHC)-- Cuba has announced that it is ready to help the United States in its fight against the Mad Cow disease. Havana says that it is willing to supply scientists and other experts to lend assistance to U.S. health agencies.

Pedro Álvarez, head of the Cuban export company ALIMPORT, told reporters that Havana has temporarily placed on hold the purchases of live animals from the United States, but expressed confidence it would resume them soon and add beef to a growing list of imported U.S. foods.

The Cuban official said that there are several outstanding contracts for cattle with U.S. producers, which Havana hopes can be executed "after the epidemic is resolved."

Special Photo Exhibit Commemorates 45th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

Havana, December 31 (RHC)-- A special exhibit of photographs has been inaugurated at the José Martí Memorial in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución. "Unidos Luchamos, Unidos Vencemos" -- United We Fought, United We Won -- is dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

The photos chronicle the most important moments of the revolutionary struggle -- from January 1st 1959 to the current Battle of Ideas. Santiago Dórquez, director of the project, said the photographic exhibit is a modest homage to the Cuban people.

(RHC) Havana, January 3, 2003