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The traditional burning of "muñecos de año viejo," a ritual symbolizing the farewell to the bad experiences of the ending year, has spread throughout Cuba, reaching even the eastern provinces such as Santiago de Cuba and Granma.
This year, the celebration took on a political and satirical tone by incorporating puppets that represented figures associated with issues perceived by Cubans, including the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared images on social media, highlighting the burning of effigies in Santiago de Cuba.
"Many people from Santiago have written saying that they performed this or other traditions to welcome 2025 with new hopes. Among the most notable, this first dawn of the New Year features the traditional burning of the old year’s effigy, symbolically bidding farewell to the bad and negative aspects of 2024," Mayeta wrote.
Among the traditions mentioned is the "return to the neighborhood with suitcases," a symbolic custom aimed at attracting future journeys. However, it was the burning of effigies that garnered the most attention, featuring figures labeled with the names of individuals or entities deemed responsible for the country's issues.
In Granma, specifically in Marea del Portillo, Pilón municipality, the neighbors chose a well-known Cuban-American senator as the figure for the effigy to be burned.
Facebook user Ysneri Oliva shared an image featuring two dolls made from old clothing, straw, and cardboard. One of them held a sign with the name "Marco Rubio."
Oliva remarked, “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.”
This tradition, which was initially more common in the western part of the country, has expanded towards the east in recent years, demonstrating how customs evolve alongside the expressive needs of the population.
Amid the celebrations, some amusing anecdotes also emerged. In Villa Clara, a man reported on social media the theft of his old year doll, which he had placed in front of his home.
The incident occurred at 8:30 p.m., and the owner expressed his outrage at what he described as yet another example of the crisis of values on the island. The doll was holding a sign referencing Real Madrid fans, which sparked jokes online about the identity of the thief.
The burning of effigies, a tradition also rooted in other Latin American countries, remains a symbol of hope for Cubans. While some turn to this custom to close chapters and attract good fortune, others use it as a way to express discontent and defiance in the face of the country's challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Burning of Effigies in Cuba and Its Political Significance
Why were effigies of Díaz-Canel burned in Cuba?
The burning of dolls representing Díaz-Canel in Cuba during the New Year's celebrations symbolizes popular discontent with his administration and the political and economic situation in the country. This tradition is used to express the desire to leave behind the hardships associated with his government, serving as an act of defiance and criticism towards the Cuban socialist regime.
What is the significance of the burning of old year dolls in Cuba?
The burning of old year dolls in Cuba is a tradition that symbolizes the end of a cycle, allowing people to leave behind the negativity of the previous year and welcome new beginnings. This occasion has also turned into a means of expressing political criticism, as public figures representative of the country's issues are selected to be burned.
Why was Marco Rubio chosen for a New Year's Eve doll in Granma?
In Granma, Marco Rubio was chosen as the figure for a New Year's Eve dummy due to his well-known critical stance towards the Cuban regime and his influence on U.S. policies concerning Cuba. This act reflects the symbolic connection between international political tensions and local concerns, using tradition to express political discontent.
What other traditions are observed in Cuba for New Year's?
In addition to the burning of effigies, other traditions are practiced in Cuba, such as walking around the neighborhood with suitcases to attract future travels. These customs reflect the desires for change and hope in a context of economic and social difficulties, allowing Cubans to express their longing for prosperity and improvement in the new year.
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