Dozens of Santiago residents took to the streets on Friday to participate in the Conga de los Hoyos, which the government organizes every year around this time to commemorate the triumph of the revolution.
The so-called "Victory Parade" began at 1:00 PM from Paseo Martí, continued along Avenida de los Libertadores, and passed through the main streets, concluding back at Paseo Martí.
Despite the regime's attempts to "market" this event as a healthy and harmless cultural activity, journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada notes that street fights and police repression often prevail at this conga.
A video shared by Aris Arias Batalla, an employee of the Health Directorate in the province, shows a group of police officers among the crowd.
"Sea of towns and police," Mayeta said in another post.
The journey is marked "by police violence and the settling of scores between individuals and rival gangs that take center stage to seek revenge," he specified.
Many Cubans on the internet are criticizing the large turnout at such events amid the economic crisis the country is facing, questioning what victory there is to celebrate, except for blackouts, hunger, violence, and long lines.
"With so many problems and a mess, they’ve really gone overboard; this town doesn’t even respect itself anymore," said a mother of the family.
"Every people gets what they deserve; they will march and everything, they get rum and beer and immediately they are in a carnival and party mood; then when they see a leader, they perk up and shake hands, give kisses, and embrace. So they can hold on," emphasized a resident in the United States.
"They are happy with their conga, their filth, their alcohol, their hunger, and their blackouts," stated an internet user.
"That's to create a distorted image of reality, making it seem like the people are happy and content; the truth is that people enjoy it and will come out in droves, that's all," remarked another.
"With hunger and need, without food, without electricity, without milk, without coffee, without cigarettes. Without, without, without... and they still want to dance. Then they spend their lives complaining on social media," a third party emphasized.
Despite the criticism, a simultaneous casino wheel event is scheduled for this Saturday at 4:00 PM at the Ferreiro Youth Plaza.
On Tuesday, December 31st, starting at 10:00 PM, the flag celebration will be held, another tradition in Santiago de Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conga de los Hoyos and the situation in Santiago de Cuba
What is the Conga de los Hoyos in Santiago de Cuba?
The Conga de los Hoyos is a traditional celebration in Santiago de Cuba held to commemorate the triumph of the revolution. Although the government presents it as a cultural activity, the event has faced criticism due to the surrounding violence and police repression, as well as being seen as a distraction amidst the country's economic crisis.
Why is there criticism towards the Conga de los Hoyos?
Criticism of the Conga de los Hoyos arises from the belief that there is nothing to celebrate amidst the economic crisis in Cuba, marked by blackouts, food shortages, and violence. Furthermore, the event is perceived as a government strategy to project an image of normalcy and happiness that does not reflect the reality of the Cuban people.
How does the population of Santiago de Cuba respond to the celebrations organized by the government?
The population of Santiago de Cuba has expressed its discontent through criticism on social media and confrontations with the police during events such as the Conga de los Hoyos. Many citizens question the usefulness of these celebrations and denounce police repression and the lack of an effective response to the economic and social issues facing the country.
What is the role of social media in raising awareness about events like the Conga de los Hoyos?
Social media is essential for bringing visibility to and denouncing what happens during events like the Conga de los Hoyos. Independent journalists and citizens use platforms like Facebook to share videos and testimonies that highlight police violence and the public's distress, sparking a debate about the situation in Cuba.
Filed under: