During the traditional Flag Festival, held in Parque Céspedes, an iconic public space in the heart of Santiago de Cuba, a man voiced his deepest wish for 2025: "May communism come to an end!"
"Cuban shouts ‘Homeland and Life’ and anti-government slogans at the Flag Festival in Santiago de Cuba," emphasized journalist Yomsany Mayeta in a post on his Facebook profile.
In the reel shared by Mayeta, the voice of a person can clearly be heard shouting, in addition to "Patria y Vida!", other slogans such as "Freedom!", "Down with the dictatorship!" and "End communism in Cuba!"
The act of protest takes on even greater significance as it took place at the beginning of 2025 in the symbolic Parque Céspedes in Santiago de Cuba, the same location where Fidel Castro proclaimed the victory of the so-called Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959.
Additionally, the traditional Flag Festival, a celebration over a century old established by the city's first mayor, Emilio Bacardí, is known for attributing symbolic and divinatory powers regarding what the upcoming year will be like. In this context, the wishes expressed by that Cuban gain special significance.
Regarding that celebration, journalist Mayeta noted on Facebook that, despite the crowd that gathered in Parque Céspedes on December 31, the national flag did not fly. This was interpreted by many as a bad omen for 2025.
"This year, to the dismay of the people of Santiago, the Lone Star Flag 'seems to wave, but it doesn't wave,' leaving many with a longing for improvement," he emphasized.
He also recalled that on December 31, 2023, the flag waved, "and 2024 was a very critical year for Cubans, especially for those from Santiago."
Finally, he emphasized: "Although the Flag Festival has been celebrated for over 124 years, since 1959 this celebration has become a communist homage to its 'Revolution,' which grows older every day, just like its long-standing acolytes."
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Discontent in Cuba in Early 2025
What happened during the Flag Festival in Santiago de Cuba at the beginning of 2025?
During the Flag Day celebration in Santiago de Cuba, a man shouted anti-government slogans such as "Homeland and Life!" and "End communism!" in a protest that gained particular significance due to its symbolism and because it took place in Parque Céspedes, a historic site for the Cuban Revolution. This event highlighted the growing discontent towards the Cuban regime.
Why wasn't the flag flown at the Flag Festival of 2025?
The national flag did not fly during the Flag Day celebration of 2025, which many interpreted as an ominous sign for the year ahead. This event heightened the feeling of discouragement among the residents of Santiago, who were already facing a backdrop of economic and social crisis.
How has social discontent been expressed in Cuba recently?
Social discontent in Cuba has been expressed through spontaneous protests, such as the chant of "Down with communism!" by citizens in public spaces, and ongoing criticism of the government on social media. These actions reflect the frustration of Cubans in the face of the economic crisis and political repression.
What has been the government's reaction in Cuba to criticism and public discontent?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has maintained an optimistic discourse, shifting the blame for the crisis to external factors such as the U.S. embargo. However, this rhetoric has not succeeded in alleviating social discontent, which continues to grow due to the lack of real solutions to the country's structural problems.
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