Craft of reader survives in Cuba tobacco factories

The role of a "reader" in Cuban cigar factories has proved to be one of the most durable on the island.

It's survived more than a century of social change including the advent of radio, television and the internet.

Odalys Lara Reyes, 55, a reader at the "La Corona" cigar factory in Havana, keeps workers engaged and informed by reading news articles, stories, poems and novels to them.

She says she enjoys sharing her knowledge.

"I believe that if I am born again, I would like to be a reader again," she comments.

Every workday, Lara Reyes takes her place at the front of a large room where dozens of employees craft cigars by hand, fashioning them into the renowned San Cristóbal de La Habana or Montecristo brands.

The reader is a key role in every cigar factory and in 2012 it was recognized as a Cuban cultural heritage, practised by some 200 people.

Cigar factories first started to employ readers in the 1860s, according to historians, although the role became controversial during the Independence period.

While workers found it educational, factory owners suspected it was a potential route for revolt because readers might choose politically controversial content.

In today's Cuba, readers are selected by workers' vote.

Lara Reyes, a former radio announcer, has been doing the job since 1996, when she was elected to the role after a campaign that lasted almost three weeks.

Workers miss her - and her readings - when she takes a day off.

"When she doesn't come, we feel very bad because that day we can't have information and we don't get to (acquire) culture," said cigar roller Alvin Raul Mustelier.