For the second consecutive year, the Cuban regime has prohibited the Solemn Stations of the Cross on Palm Sunday, a Christian procession that was scheduled for this Sunday in Vedado, Havana, with a planned route from Línea to Letrán.
The activity, organized by the Vicarage, was suspended after failing to obtain approval from the authorities, as reported by the parish priest Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz on Facebook.
"We hereby inform you that the Solemn Stations of the Cross announced and prepared by the Vicarage for tomorrow, Palm Sunday, at 6:00 p.m. from Línea to Letrán has been canceled due to the authorities not approving it," emphasized the priest in his post.
The decision reignites criticism of the regime's restrictions on public expressions of faith on the island, especially since the Solemn Stations of the Cross were also banned in 2024.
On that occasion, the Cuban government prohibited the Catholic community of El Vedado from holding the procession of the Holy Burial, an event that is part of Holy Week.
The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in El Vedado issued a statement explaining to its faithful the reasons for the suspension of the procession.
"Yesterday, I was informed through the relevant channels that the procession of the Santo Entierro, which had been requested in a timely manner, would not be approved to take place through the streets of El Vedado, as it has been for over eleven years, with the exception of the pandemic period and last year when it was also denied due to a lack of personnel to ensure security," reported the parish priest of the church.
The priest also stated that the decision to deny this activity was due to the authorities disagreeing with his homilies.
The repression of religious demonstrations is not new. As early as 2019, , such as processions in Camagüey and Holguín. These measures were accompanied by bureaucratic hurdles and pressures from State Security, according to religious leaders.
Moreover, international organizations have raised concerns about these restrictions. In March 2021, the UN Special Rapporteur on religious freedom condemned that Cuban legislation allows for the criminalization of religious beliefs. He noted that the ambiguity of the legal framework facilitates state control and restricts the rights of religious communities, especially those that are not officially registered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Censorship of Religious Processions in Cuba
Why was the Solemn Stations of the Cross procession in Havana censored?
The Cuban regime prohibited the Solemn Stations of the Cross on Palm Sunday in Havana for the second consecutive year. The official reason was the lack of approval from the authorities, although the underlying motive may be related to the regime's control over public expressions of faith and the censorship of the religious community that has been evident in previous years.
What other restrictions has the Cuban government imposed on religious activities?
In addition to the cancellation of the Solemn Stations of the Cross, the Cuban government also prohibited the procession of the Holy Burial in El Vedado in 2024. Authorities have imposed restrictions on public religious expressions, justifying these actions with reasons of security or lack of personnel, although these explanations are viewed as a pretext to limit religious freedom.
How has the Catholic community reacted to the censorship of its processions?
The Catholic community has voiced criticisms against the Cuban government for the restrictions imposed on their religious celebrations. Religious leaders, such as parishioner Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz, have publicly denounced the lack of official approval for processions, highlighting the negative impact these prohibitions have on religious freedom on the island.
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