Romualdo Alonso Pino, affectionately known in the world of improvised poetry as "El Pino de Cangrejera," died on October 11, 2026, in the town of La Salud, located in the Quivicán municipality of the Mayabeque province. He was participating in a canturía, a traditional Cuban musical gathering, at the time of his passing.
The digital platform D'Canturía, which focuses on Cuban decima and improvised verse, broke the news of his death on the same day. Multiple outlets dedicated to Cuba's national stanza echoed the sorrowful announcement throughout the week. The brief statement read: "D'Canturía deeply regrets to inform of the sudden passing of Romualdo Alonso Pino, 'El Pino de Cangrejera,'" and extended condolences to his family and friends, particularly to Mercy Estrada, his life partner both in art and in personal life. "Rest in peace, poet," it concluded.
In the moments leading up to his death, according to the last images captured by Yelier Corvo Rodríguez, Alonso Pino was seen improvising alongside fellow improviser Yasel García in La Salud.
A comment on D'Canturía's post disclosed the cause of death: "He was greatly applauded during the canturía, and there he suffered the heart attack... eternal glory, my brother."
Born on September 8, 1947, as specified in another D'Canturía publication detailing his life dates, Alonso Pino emerged as one of Cuba's most prominent improvisers during his peak years.
According to El Artemiseño, a newspaper that covered his legacy on October 13, his artistic journey was defined by two significant partnerships in the art of controversy: first with José Miguel Bello, and later with Helio Vidal. Together, they formed one of the most beloved duos on the Sunday television program Palmas y Cañas, an iconic platform for Cuban repentismo that has aired since 1962.
Fans who fondly remembered him from the show shared their memories. One wrote: "I remember poet Alonso Pino on Palmas y Cañas, alongside my great friend, Helio Vidal. They were a duo of very professional poets and whenever they appeared, the quality was top-notch." Another added: "He formed a charming duo with Elio. We worked a lot together on Palmas y Cañas. My deepest condolences to family and friends, especially to his wife and friend, the stellar singer Mercy Estrada."
The National Bureau of the ANAP (National Association of Small Farmers) also expressed their grief, with Juan Enrique López Rodríguez stating: "The most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends from the National Bureau of the ANAP and the Cuban farming community."
Virgilio López Lemus, renowned investigator and National Literature Award recipient, who is an authority on the study of the décima in Latin America, also responded to the news: "I deeply regret his passing," he wrote, acknowledging the significant loss of such a prominent figure.
In tribute, Juan Carlos García Guridi crafted an acrostic published by D'Canturía: "Alonso Pino died, / He did as he wished; / Dreamed in octosyllables, / Never forgot... / His destiny fulfilled / Proudly faithful; / Painted his farewell without a brush, / Raised flags of light: / He wanted neither tears nor cross / Rusting his skin."
Alonso Pino's death adds to the recent losses in the Cuban countryside music scene, including the passing of Fernando Guardado, the iconic host of Palmas y Cañas for nearly four decades, who died at the end of September.
Raisel Acosta Aquino announced on Facebook that a posthumous tribute for "El Pino de Cangrejera" will take place with a guateque at the Obelisco Décima Cubana in Güira de Melena, open to all poets and poetry enthusiasts. "We will announce the date of the Guateque soon," he posted.
Remembering Alonso Pino and Cuban Improvised Poetry
Who was Alonso Pino?
Alonso Pino, known as "El Pino de Cangrejera," was a prominent Cuban poet famous for his skills in improvised verse and his appearances on the TV program Palmas y Cañas.
What is a canturía?
A canturía is a traditional Cuban musical gathering where participants engage in improvised poetry and music, often showcasing the art of the décima.
What impact did Alonso Pino have on Cuban culture?
Alonso Pino significantly influenced Cuban culture through his mastery of improvised poetry, collaborations with other renowned poets, and his presence on the iconic show Palmas y Cañas.