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The Camilo Cienfuegos Military School of Holguín has triumphantly announced the celebration of the usual collective quinceañera parties at these indoctrination schools for youth.
The pages of the Ministry of the Armed Forces (MINFAR) and the Eastern Army have shared images from the celebration that took place this Friday at the military school.
"Beautiful tradition," the MINFAR described it, highlighting that it was held for the 57th anniversary of the school.
For its part, the Eastern Army praised that it was a "lasting tradition" and that it was part of the "comprehensive training and care in the Camilo Cienfuegos Military Schools."
"Nothing compares to the joy of these young women who share this significant date with family, teachers, and classmates," wrote the official profile alongside a photo of three of the quinceañeras.
Although the celebration of 15 years in Cuba is usually associated with family and friends, in military schools these traditions are transformed into ideological acts.
Young women must pose and dance alongside military cadets, transforming a part of the personal sphere of Cuban women.
The term referred to as "tradition" by the military is commonly used as a mechanism to humanize the young people who will in the future join the various repressive bodies of the Cuban regime.
At the end of 2024, another group of young people celebrated a collective party for their 15th birthday at the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba.
The "coming of age" ceremonies in those centers involve a significant ideological component.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Group Quinceañera Celebrations in Military Schools in Cuba
What are the collective 15 years at the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School in Cuba?
The collective 15th birthday celebrations are organized at the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School for girls turning 15 years old. These parties combine the traditional gala of "entering adulthood" with political and ideological elements, as they occur in institutions where future Cuban military personnel are trained.
How are these types of celebrations used for ideological purposes?
These celebrations are presented by the Cuban regime as a "beautiful tradition" that humanizes future military personnel. They are used as propaganda tools to portray a more pleasant side of military schools and reinforce the ideological indoctrination of young people. Quinceañera parties become events that blend personal celebration with tributes to figures of the regime, such as Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
What is the criticism of these celebrations in the current Cuban context?
In the context of the deep economic and social crisis facing Cuba, these celebrations are seen as an attempt by the regime to divert attention from the real problems in the country. The criticism focuses on the fact that, instead of addressing the urgent needs of the population, the government continues to invest resources in propaganda events that perpetuate the official ideology. Furthermore, these events are interpreted as an invasion of individuals' personal spheres, as they are used for political purposes.
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