Cuban Entertainers’ Second Home

THOSE WHO SWING BY THE CARACOL CHILDREN’S STORES WILL GET ASTOUNDED FROM THE FIRST VISIT. WHAT STRIKES THE ATTENTION THE MOST IS THE ARRAY OF PRODUCTS PAINTED WITH POPULAR CARTOON CHARACTERS CREATED ON THE ISLAND NATION

They belonged to television and the big screen. Those seemed to be the only two destinations Cuban animated characters were meant to be confined to, but Caracol Stores changed that reality. Those who swing by the Caracol children's stores will get astounded from the first visit. What strikes the attention the most is the array of products painted with popular cartoon characters created on the island nation.

This is a joint project between Cadena de Tiendas Caracol and the Cuban Filmmaking Industry and Arts Institute (ICAIC is the Spanish acronym), the country's leading animation company. The initiative seeks to boost up Cuba's image and put stories and characters that have marked so many lives, right within everybody's reach.

Picking a single gift won't be a cakewalk. Choices sway from footwear, clothing, backpacks and snack packs to pen drives, water bottles, mugs and racket-and-ball sets. And there'll be a whole lot more, especially in terms of themed party items and accessories.

Seven animated characters have been chosen for this endeavor: the brave Elpidio Valdés; Meñique (Cuba's first 3D animated movie); Equipo 009 that battle evil; Capitán Plin who always advocates for what's useful; Fábulas, animals that mull over friendship, courage and shrewdness; Pubertad, an animated series that targets teenagers, and Fernanda, the funny girl detective.

But these are not the only animated characters, but just the most popular ones. Their esthetic and educational values, their colorfulness and fun have made them so unique around the world. After years making boys and girls laugh and smile, these characters can now go to their young audience's homes just like good friends. No matter how time will go by, they'll always be there.