Journalist Javier Díaz reacts with sadness to the massive parade in Cuba: "Freedom slips away."

The images from the May Day parade in Cuba, which according to official figures brought together more than five million people, have sparked strong reactions among Cuban exiles.

One of the most powerful voices has been that of journalist Javier Díaz, who expressed his deep disillusionment and sorrow from the United States upon witnessing what he considers a symbolic representation of the authoritarian control that still dominates the Island.

Through internet posts, the reporter -known for his work at Univisión 23 and his activism against the Cuban regime- expressed his dismay at the scale of the event organized by the government amid a severe economic crisis.

"Freedom is slipping away," he expressed, lamenting that the massive mobilization reflects, more than an expression of unity, the persistence of a "slave" system that is upheld by repression and fear.

“Here they are, well-fed, without worries, watching as the people cheer for them and reaffirm their power,” he commented in a message posted on , referring to the leaders of the Cuban regime.

For Díaz, the setting of the parade is a reflection of the disconnection between power and the everyday suffering of the people. "They laugh and revel in the continuity of a system that enslaves its people."

In the journalist's view, the message conveyed by the Cuban people on this First of May was a sad one.

"People went out, paraded, whether forced by the dictatorship or simply to avoid losing some kind of benefit," he said on his Instagram account.

"The message that the Cuban people conveyed this May Day was truly sad. It was not freedom, it was not change. It was submission."

A parade marked by hunger and repression

This year, the International Workers' Day parade took place in a particularly difficult context for the Cuban population. The country is experiencing constant blackouts, rampant inflation, food shortages, and a public transport system that is virtually paralyzed.

Still, the government allocated fuel and logistical resources to mobilize hundreds of thousands of citizens to the political event.

Miguel Díaz-Canel, the leader of the regime, appeared early at the Plaza de la Revolución, accompanied by his wife, dressed in patriotic attire and wearing Palestinian scarves, in a gesture of symbolic solidarity typical of his appearances.

From his social media, he praised citizen participation and repeated emblematic phrases from the government, such as "Cuba can always surpass itself."

The contrast between the official rhetoric and the real experiences of Cubans was the focus of journalist Javier Díaz's critique. "It is very unfortunate to see how they exploit children and how people continue to participate in this game of the dictatorship," he wrote.

The young reporter also questioned the silence of the population following the mass protests on July 11, 2021.

"It is very sad that after July 11, the Cuban people did not take to the streets in large numbers. I truly believe that freedom is becoming more distant," he stated.

Cuba, between spectacle and survival

The May Day parade once again highlighted the Cuban paradox: a country that marches while sinking into misery.

For many, the image of crowds marching does not signify unity, but rather desperation.

For Javier Díaz, it is a painful photograph of a nation trapped between indoctrination, apathy, and fear, unable to do as other nations have done in overthrowing their dictatorships.

"What image is the Cuban people showing the world, a desire for freedom, a desire for change?" he questioned.

He added: "I truly believe that there is no society like the Cuban one nor a people like the Cuban people; what we are experiencing, both inside and outside of Cuba, is heartbreaking, it is sad."

A voice from exile with deep roots

Javier Díaz emigrated to the United States in January 2016.

Like many Cubans, his arrival was not easy: his first job was in the kitchen of a restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. Over time, he managed to make his way into Hispanic media, and today he is a recognized face of the Univisión channel in Miami.

Despite the success he has achieved, he has not stopped using his platform to denounce what he considers to be the abuses of a system he himself experienced.

I am just another immigrant who arrived one day and felt proud to also touch this flag, he expressed in January 2024 while commemorating his anniversary of arrival in the United States.

Grateful for the opportunities his new homeland has offered him, he has held a steadfast position in defense of freedom for Cuba.

Frequently asked questions about the May Day parade in Cuba and the current situation on the island