Cuba: Culture Week in Holguín suspended due to tragedy at military unit

Cultural authorities expressed their sorrow and joined the collective grief that envelops the population.

Culture Week in Holguín has been suspendedPhoto © Social media/Cubadebate

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The Municipal Directorate of Culture of Holguín announced the suspension of the Holguin Culture Week, scheduled from January 13 to 19, in solidarity with the families of the 13 missing Cubans following the tragic incident that occurred at a military unit in the locality of Melones, municipality of Rafael Freyre.

Through a statement published on the official Facebook page of the newspaper Ahora, the cultural authorities expressed their sorrow and joined in the collective grief that affects the community.

"We are shocked by this unfortunate event. The artists, writers, workers, and executives in the sector, with the human sensitivity that defines us, join in the sentiment of our entire people," they declared.

The incident, the details of which remain largely under wraps, has had a profound impact on the province and has highlighted the limited official media coverage, which has sought to downplay the magnitude of what occurred.

The Holguin Culture Week, a traditional event that celebrates the identity and cultural richness of the region, will be postponed as a gesture of respect and solidarity towards the victims and their families.

However, this is one of the few visible steps that the local government has taken in response to the tragedy, which has sparked criticism among residents who demand greater transparency and support.

The people of Holguín remain hopeful for possible updates on the incident and are looking forward to more concrete actions to support the affected families during this challenging time.

Frequently asked questions about the tragedy at the Holguín military unit

Why was the Culture Week in Holguín suspended?

The Holguin Culture Week was suspended in solidarity with the families of the 13 Cubans who went missing after the incident at a military unit in Melones, Holguín. The cultural authorities decided to postpone the event as a gesture of respect and support towards the victims and their families.

What happened at the Melones military unit that resulted in 13 people missing?

In the early hours of January 7, 2025, a fire at a military materials warehouse in the town of Melones, Holguín, caused a series of explosions. The incident resulted in 13 people missing, including young military recruits and officers.

What has been the Cuban government's response to the tragedy in Holguín?

The response from the Cuban government has been criticized by the public due to its secrecy and lack of information regarding the incident. The authorities have sent messages of solidarity but have not provided concrete details about the rescue efforts or the status of the missing individuals.

What are the criticisms of the official media coverage regarding the incident in Holguín?

The official media coverage has been limited and has tried to downplay the magnitude of the event, which has generated criticism from the public. Official media are accused of not providing enough visibility to the victims and of not offering clear and timely information about the tragedy.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.