The image of Saint James the Apostle returned to the streets of Santiago de Cuba after more than a hundred years during its festivity this Thursday, as part of the celebrations for the 509th anniversary of the founding of the old colonial town.
The Santa Basílica Metropolitana Iglesia Catedral de Santiago de Cuba posted on Facebook that "after more than a hundred years, the image of Santiago Apostol is once again going out to roam the streets of Santiago de Cuba on the day of his feast."
Previously, Monsignor Dionisio García Ibáñez, Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, officiated a mass in honor of St. James the Apostle, patron saint of the Archdiocese and the city.
The ceremony also commemorated the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the first diocese in Cuba, the construction of its cathedral, and the designation of Santiago de Cuba as the city that hosts both.
From the atrium of the Santiago de Cuba cathedral, and following tradition on this date, the Monsignor also blessed the city, as seen in a video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook.
What stands out in the clip is the small number of people present at the mass, depicting Parque Céspedes, the main urban space of the city and the heart of the old colonial town, nearly completely empty.
However, the official media in the province, reflecting the growing distance between the Catholic Church and the regime, has only promoted an artistic gala as the main celebration for the anniversary of Santiago de Cuba.
“With the gala 'Santiago: 509 years in the heart of Cuba,' this city will await midnight in Parque Céspedes, marking the 509th anniversary of the founding of the town of Santiago de Cuba,” reported the newspaper Sierra Maestra.
As a backdrop and away from the official narrative, the people look forward to this date to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the congas and lose themselves in the festivities of Carnival.
However, even at the famous Rumbón Mayor, the town will not be able to celebrate as it traditionally has, due to prohibitive prices.
This year, the celebration of the people of Santiago for their city's anniversary takes place amid the threat of epidemics, the burden of power outages, and seemingly unending inflation.
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