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In Marea del Portillo, in the municipality of Pilón, Granma province, the locals celebrated the arrival of the New Year with the Cuban tradition of burning a effigy, using the name of a well-known Cuban-American senator to symbolize what they wish to leave behind with the old year.
Facebook user Ysneri Oliva shared a photograph of the scene and commented: "We are bidding farewell to the old year to welcome the new one with prosperity and joy, so that the people feel happy with the new year here on Pantaleón street, and so that all the Cuban people can feel happy and celebrate the new year with this initiative."
In the published image, a man can be seen posing next to two dolls made from old clothes, straw, and cardboard. One of them has a sign on its chest reading "Marco Rubio."
At the feet of the dolls, there are several bottles of alcoholic beverages, apparently part of the festive atmosphere of the celebration, but which in reality must contain the alcohol to ignite the doll. The scene is framed by a rustic setting, typical of the rural neighborhoods in this area of Cuba.
The burning of effigies, a tradition deeply rooted in Cuba and other Latin American countries, symbolizes the removal of the bad things that may have come with the past year, while paving the way for hopes and wishes for prosperity in the upcoming cycle. The choice of Marco Rubio as the figure for the effigy is a gesture laden with political symbolism.
Marco Rubio in Cuban-American Politics
It is worth noting that Marco Rubio has been one of the most critical voices against the regime on the island. In recent years, he has stood out for his strong stance against the Cuban government and his influence on U.S. policies toward Cuba.
The elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that Rubio will be the new Secretary of State, making him the highest-ranking Latino in the history of the U.S. government.
Trump described him as "a highly respected leader and a strong voice for freedom." This appointment underscores Rubio's role in U.S. policies toward Latin America and his commitment to defending democracy in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Burning of the Marco Rubio Effigy in Granma
Why did they choose Marco Rubio for the effigy burning in Granma?
The choice of Marco Rubio to represent the burned doll in Granma seems to be a gesture laden with political symbolism. Marco Rubio has been one of the most critical voices against the Cuban regime, and his appointment as Secretary of State could intensify the U.S. policy towards Cuba, which may explain the discontent reflected in this tradition.
What is the tradition behind the burning of effigies in Cuba?
The burning of effigies is a tradition in Cuba and other Latin American countries that symbolizes the eradication of the bad from the previous year and the welcoming of new hopes and desires for prosperity in the coming year. It is a way to bid farewell to the old year and greet the new one with optimism.
How could Marco Rubio influence U.S. policy toward Cuba?
Marco Rubio could significantly toughen U.S. policy towards Cuba. As Secretary of State, he would have the authority to impose stricter sanctions, increase funding for opposition groups, and restrict travel to the island, which could exacerbate the economic and political situation in Cuba.
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