Despite the climate of religious censorship that persists in Cuba, some Catholic communities managed to hold processions through the streets of their towns this Good Friday.
These events, which received official authorization, stand in stark contrast to other expressions of faith that were prohibited throughout the same week in various cities across the country, highlighting once again the complex and contentious relationship between the Cuban regime and the Catholic Church.
One of the authorized processions took place in Havana, where the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located on the central Línea Street in El Vedado, received approval to take its faithful to the streets.
In a video shared on social media by the parish itself, a large group of believers – with a notable youth presence – can be seen walking in procession, carrying images of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
The march was even accompanied by a car with loudspeakers, from which biblical passages and sacred music were broadcasted.
In the context of a Holy Week marked by prohibitions on religious events, the permit granted to this parish does not seem to indicate a change in direction, but rather an exception within a hostile environment.
In Baracoa, the first city of Cuba, a religious procession was also held that culminated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Official state media in Cuba covered the event, describing it as an expression of "community unity" and "preservation of cultural identity."
This rhetoric aims to frame religion within a heritage narrative that is controlled, without mentioning the restrictions imposed on freedom of worship in other parts of the country.
Prohibited Processions: The Other Side of Holy Week
While in some places the processions were allowed, in others they were turned away.
In Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, the regime banned the traditional procession of Christ of Humility and Patience, a demonstration of faith that is over 100 years old.
The authorities' refusal provoked the outrage of Priest Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz, who publicly denounced the incident through his social media, calling it an "irresponsible abuse."
Zayas explained that the request to hold the procession was submitted almost two months in advance, significantly exceeding the legal requirements.
However, the authorities claimed that it was "not customary" to carry out such an activity in the city—despite a century of tradition supporting it—and that the request had been submitted past the deadline, a point that was refuted by the priest himself with documentation in hand.
The regime's response was not only administrative. On the day the procession was supposed to take place, the park in front of the church was taken over by State Security agents dressed in civilian clothing, some on unmarked motorcycles.
For many, it was a clear attempt at intimidation, aimed at both the clergy and the parishioners who had gathered in hopes of living their faith in community. The repression, although not violent in this case, was evident: it was not about maintaining order, but rather about stifling any expression that could slip out of state control.
This was not an isolated incident. The Solemn Stations of the Cross on Palm Sunday in El Vedado, Havana, organized by the Vicariate of the Archdiocese, was also canceled for the second consecutive year.
On the other hand, one of the most massive celebrations of Holy Week took place at the National Sanctuary of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba.
Hundreds of people participated in the blessing of the palms and the liturgy of Palm Sunday, including even members of the Granma baseball team, who came in pilgrimage.
The attitude of the Cuban government towards the Catholic Church is still characterized by mistrust and censorship. Although the official discourse formally acknowledges religious freedom, in practice, the access of faith communities to the public space is restricted, conditional, and, in many cases, directly prohibited.
As Father Zayas wrote in his complaint: "Denying the exercise of a right ultimately infringes upon all rights, and this makes a society unjust."
His message, deeply pastoral but also political in the best sense of the term, was shared thousands of times on social media and became a symbol of dignity in the face of oppression.
Holy Week 2025 in Cuba has once again been a display of contrasts. While some believers were able to express their spirituality publicly, others were silenced by a system that still views religion as a latent threat.
The Catholic Church, despite all its internal challenges, continues to be one of the few spaces where truth, justice, and dignity find a voice.
On an island where control of discourse remains strict, every step of a procession becomes an act of resistance. Because in Cuba, faith not only moves mountains; it also challenges walls.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holy Week Processions in Cuba
Why does the Cuban government authorize some processions while prohibiting others?
The Cuban government authorizes certain religious processions as an exception and not as a change in policy towards religious freedom. The approval or prohibition of religious activities is conditioned by the regime's interest in maintaining control over public expressions of faith. While some demonstrations are occasionally permitted, as happened in Havana and Baracoa, other processions, such as that of Christ of Humility in Trinidad, are prohibited, highlighting a hostile environment towards the Catholic Church.
What did the prohibition of the Christ of Humility procession in Trinidad signify?
The prohibition of the procession of the Christ of Humility in Trinidad was seen as an act of censorship and religious repression by the Cuban regime. This procession, which has a history of over 100 years, was canceled by the authorities despite having been requested in advance. Priest Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz denounced the prohibition as an "irresponsible outrage," highlighting the ongoing repression of religious expressions in Cuba.
What is the significance of religious processions in Cuba?
Religious processions in Cuba are expressions of faith that are deeply rooted in the culture and history of the country. They represent not only an act of devotion but also a form of resistance against the restrictions imposed by the regime. In a context where religious freedom is constrained, processions become symbols of the struggle for the right to express spirituality publicly and collectively.
How has the Catholic Church in Cuba responded to government restrictions?
The Catholic Church in Cuba has taken a critical stance against the government's restrictions on religious expressions. Religious leaders have publicly condemned the prohibitions and have called for the defense of religious freedom rights. Despite the challenges, the Church remains a space where truth and dignity are promoted, offering a voice to those seeking to express their faith in a repressive environment.
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