Cuban Receives Honorable Mention in WMO 2025 Calendar Photography Contest

Raúl Navarro González was recognized for his photograph "Electric Storm over the City," which captures the La Concordia Bridge in Matanzas during a lightning strike, blending technique with architectural beauty.

Fotografía “Tormenta eléctrica sobre la ciudad” gana Mención Honorable © Facebook / World Meteorological Organization
The photograph "Electric Storm over the City" receives an Honorable Mention.Photo © Facebook / World Meteorological Organization

The photojournalist Raúl Navarro González from the Matanzas newspaper Girón received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Calendar photography contest organized by the World Meteorological Organization.

"I'm super happy about the news that this image has been selected as an Honorable Mention in the WMO 2025 Calendar photography contest!" said the young professional on his Facebook account.

Facebook Capture / Raúl Navarro González

The photograph, titled "Electric Storm over the City," captures the iconic La Concordia Bridge in Matanzas at the moment a lightning bolt illuminates the urban landscape.

The snapshot managed to capture the exact moment when a thunderstorm struck the city, showcasing the magnitude of nature's power, the beauty of the city's iconic bridge, and the virtuosity of the photographic technique that highlights the drama of the scene.

Girón / Raúl Navarro González

Recently, through his experienced lens, Navarro highlighted in the state-run Girón the critical situation faced by residents of the La Marina neighborhood in Matanzas, where water supply service is practically non-existent over a stretch of six blocks.

Weeks, and even months, without regular access to water have forced residents to rely on empty cisterns and deteriorating pipes, a situation made worse by breaks and leaks in the higher areas that prevent water from reaching homes.

Girón / Raúl Navarro González

In a series of images, the photographer captured not only the suffering of these individuals but also the figure of a local hero, affectionately known as Spartacus, who is responsible for ensuring access to vital water.

In October, Cubans Fabián Álvarez Gómez and Yaroyg Oños Gálvez won the gold medal in the Macro category and claimed the silver in the Wide Angle category at the 2024 CMAS World Underwater Photography Championship, held in Saranda, Albania.

Gold medalist photo in the Macro / JIT category

According to the news portal Jit, Álvarez and Oños achieved this incredible result by surpassing competitors from 18 countries.

In June, a photograph depicting an empty Cuban agricultural market was recognized in the prestigious "Pink Lady Food Photographer" competition, which annually awards the best food-related images from around the world.

“Empty Store, Cuba” by British photographer Jo Kearney, recognized in the category of food policy, is a condemnation of the severe food shortages affecting the Cuban people.

"Empty store, Cuba." Photo: Jo Kearney

The snapshot shows the empty establishment, devoid of products and customers, where only one seller sits, poorly dressed and wearing a look of boredom.

Frequently Asked Questions about the photographic recognition of Raúl Navarro González

Who is Raúl Navarro González and what did he achieve in the WMO 2025 Calendar competition?

Raúl Navarro González is a photojournalist for the Girón newspaper in Matanzas who received an Honorable Mention in the WMO 2025 Calendar photography contest for his image "Electric Storm Over the City," which captures a lightning strike over the La Concordia bridge in Matanzas.

How does Raúl Navarro reflect the social situation in Matanzas through his photography?

In addition to his artistic achievements, Raúl Navarro uses his photography to shed light on critical situations, such as the water shortage in the La Marina neighborhood of Matanzas, where he has documented the efforts of the residents and a local hero named Espartaco, who assists in the distribution of water.

Which other Cuban photographers have recently distinguished themselves in international competitions?

Fabián Álvarez Gómez and Yaroyg Oños Gálvez excelled by winning gold and silver medals at the 2024 CMAS World Underwater Photography Championship held in Albania, surpassing competitors from 18 countries.

What is the current state of the water supply in Matanzas, Cuba?

The water situation in Matanzas is critical, especially in the La Marina neighborhood, where residents face weeks or even months without regular access to water. The reliance on empty cisterns and deteriorating pipes has pushed the community into extreme conditions, exacerbated by a lack of government action.

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