While Cuba is experiencing one of the most severe crises in its recent history, characterized by daily blackouts, the collapse of basic services, food shortages, and a sharp scarcity of fuel, the government has decided to allocate its already limited resources to maintain the traditional marches of May Day across the country.
A decision that, far from representing a sign of political vitality, reflects the regime's determination to maintain the appearance of popular support, even at the expense of sacrificing what little remains of the already weakened national economy.
Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, a member of the Political Bureau and general secretary of the Cuban Workers' Central (CTC), stated that these mobilizations will be a "victorious day" that reaffirms the people's commitment to the revolution
The official words, however, stand in stark contrast to the reality faced by the average Cuban citizen.
The leader announced that the main parade will take place in the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, marking its return after three years. However, given the current economic restrictions, the event will be held with "rationality and maximum austerity."
The parade will be organized by unions and will feature the participation of administrative bodies "sistered" with the municipalities of the capital, along with the representation of the Young Communist Union (UJC).
According to the organizers, there will be no events in the municipalities. What is not mentioned is that this measure aims to facilitate attendance control and project a more compact and massive image of "popular support" for the regime, even if that image is achieved at the expense of labor and academic coercion.
The government stated that attendees must arrange their own transportation, meaning they should use the vehicles available at their workplaces and the "same fuel used for a regular workday." This justification barely conceals the absurdity of allocating resources to a political spectacle amidst a national energy emergency.
Far from being a spontaneous celebration of the proletariat, as the official discourse suggests, the May Day parades in Cuba are perceived by many workers as a political obligation.
On social media, the government is already promoting hashtags like #Cuba, #1Mayo, and #CubaVencerá, in an attempt to gloss over reality: an exhausted, hungry population without hope, forced to participate in parades in the name of a revolution that does not improve their lives.
In various sectors, there have been reports of reprisals against those who choose not to participate. In 2024, workers from Laboratorios Oriente, in Santiago de Cuba, reported sanctions for not attending the march: loss of salary benefits, threats of dismissal, and salary reductions.
The same is true for students and faculty from university centers, who have faced pressures and warnings for not marching "with the people" in support of a system that offers them less each day. In a country where institutions are characterized by ideological obedience, absence from these events can be interpreted as a sign of disloyalty.
The contrast between the government's triumphant rhetoric and the reality in the streets of Cuba could not be more evident.
While Cubans cook with charcoal due to the lack of gas, spend hours without electricity, wait in endless lines to get a little rice or bread, and face a collapsed healthcare system, the regime dedicates its energy to organizing parades with banners and slogans that few still believe in.
May 1st, which in other parts of the world is a day of struggle, reflection, and the demand for labor rights, has in Cuba become an imposed stage, a cardboard parade where there is no room for discontent or demands for improvement. One can only applaud and march, while the Island sinks deeper into darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions about May Day Marches in Cuba and the Current Situation in the Country
Why does the Cuban government organize May Day marches amid a severe crisis?
The Cuban government organizes May Day marches to project an image of popular support and unity, despite the severe economic and energy crisis that the country is facing. This decision has been criticized by many Cubans who believe that the resources allocated to these marches could be better spent alleviating the economic situation and improving basic services.
How does participation in May Day marches affect Cuban workers?
Participation in the May Day marches is seen by many Cuban workers as a political obligation, rather than a genuine display of support. There have been reports of retaliation against those who choose not to participate, including loss of salary benefits and threats of dismissal, creating an atmosphere of pressure and coercion.
What is the current situation of fuel supply in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe fuel shortage, which has exacerbated the energy and economic crisis in the country. This situation has led to prolonged blackouts and transportation difficulties, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans. Government policies regarding large-scale events like marches have been criticized for diverting resources that could alleviate this crisis.
What criticisms does the Cuban regime face for organizing political events amid the crisis?
The Cuban regime has been heavily criticized for allocating resources to political events like the May Day marches, instead of addressing the structural issues affecting the country. These marches are perceived as propaganda maneuvers to display a support that is not genuine, in a context where the population faces shortages of food, medicine, and basic services.
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