Republic of Cuba Orden "Felix Varela"

[Stogieman]

Order "Felix Varela"

Awarded to Cuban and foreign citizens as well as cultural collectives in three (3) classes. The award acknowledges outstanding achievements in favour of imperishable values of National and Universal Culture. It is Cuba's highest honour for cultural merit and was established in 1981, the first year it was awarded.

Orden "Felix Varela"

Se otorga a ciudadanos cubanos y extranjeros y a colectivos culturales, en reconocimiento a aportes extraordinarios realizados a favor de los valores imperecederos de la cultura nacional y universal.

[Stogieman]

Nice example of the First Class Award:

[Stogieman]

Details of the medal:

[Stogieman]

Again, an alleged early example in the case of issue. My apologies for the poor photo quality

[Stogieman]

Interesting tidbit from the web:

"Fidel also presented John Paul II with the Felix Varela Order medal, which consists of a gold-plated star whose five points are connected by a circle of the same material. At the center of the medal is a gold relief engraving of Father Varela, surrounded by a white enamel ring on which the name of the order is inscribed.

Fidel explained that this is the highest distinction awarded by the Cuban state in the cultural sphere."

[Vic11]

Orden "Felix Varela" de 2 grado