This Mother's Day arrives in 2025 in a context marked by scarcity, inflation, blackouts, and repression where Cuban mothers have fewer and fewer reasons to celebrate.
They have to do more and more juggling to be able to feed or clothe their children, and many see how migration pulls them away from them.
Recently, it was revealed that Cuba lost 24% of its population in the last four years, a decline that only occurs in wartime contexts. It is a country where mothers see their children leave for abroad in search of a hopeful future.
Others have been separated from the fruit of their womb by the repression of the Cuban regime, which keeps more than 1,150 political prisoners in its jails.
In this regard, if anything symbolizes the spirit of this Mother's Day for Cuban women, it is the recent passing of Zoila Esther Chávez, mother of political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea, who passed away without being able to say goodbye to her son.
The 84-year-old woman was ruthlessly punished by the regime, preventing her from seeing her son and sole caregiver for the last time.
Also, Ariel Góngora, brother of the Cuban political prisoner Lizandra Góngora, who was sentenced to 14 years for the protests of July 11, shared a message to Cuban mothers.
"How many mothers are crying today for not being able to give their children a hug or hear a close 'happy Mother's Day'? Will I be able to see you and hug you before I die? My mother asks and breaks into tears. The Castro tyranny and its mafia-like sect will never be forgiven," said the Cuban resident in the U.S., alongside a picture of a video call with his mother, a scene familiar to many Cubans.
Lizandra Góngora, mother of five, is a paradigm example in contemporary Cuba of the sacrifices made by Cuban mothers in pursuit of a better future for their children.
This Mother's Day will also be marked by blackouts. For the peak evening hours, authorities estimate that the situation will be critical: with a deficit of around 1000 MW, with expected impacts of up to 1070 MW during that period. Not even on Mother's Day can Cuban women escape the blackouts in the context of an energy crisis that seems endless.
Many Cubans have highlighted this Sunday the sacrifice of Cuban mothers and their few reasons to celebrate. The priest Alberto Reyes Pías, for example, pointed out the numerous difficulties that Cuban mothers face today in a country marked by emigration, scarcity, and repression.
In a text that appeals to sensitivity, Reyes vividly and humanely described how Mother's Day, traditionally a day of gathering and celebration, has become for many Cuban women a day of pain, distance, and struggle.
"Mother's Day is also the day when we realize how difficult it is to experience the gift of motherhood in our land," she stated.
"It is difficult due to the physical absence of so many children who have emigrated," she recalled, alluding to the growing phenomenon of mothers separated from their children, often permanently, due to the crisis the country is facing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mother's Day in Cuba in 2025
Why is it difficult to celebrate Mother's Day in Cuba in 2025?
Mother's Day in Cuba in 2025 is marked by scarcity, inflation, blackouts, and political repression. Cuban mothers face enormous challenges in feeding and clothing their children, and many experience the separation from their loved ones due to migration. Furthermore, the repression by the Cuban regime has imprisoned over 1,150 political prisoners, directly impacting their families.
How does the energy crisis affect Mother's Day in Cuba?
Blackouts are a constant in Cuba, and even Mother's Day is not exempt from them. In 2025, authorities estimated a significant energy shortfall during peak evening hours, with projected impacts of up to 1070 MW. This reflects the severity of the energy crisis that the country is experiencing.
What does the case of Zoila Esther Chávez symbolize for Cuban mothers?
The case of Zoila Esther Chávez, who died without being able to say goodbye to her political prisoner son, symbolizes the pain and sacrifice of many Cuban mothers under the socialist regime. Her story highlights the repression and cruelty of the Cuban government, which continues to prevent family gatherings and affects thousands of families.
What is the impact of migration on Cuban families during Mother's Day?
Migration has profoundly impacted Cuban families, leaving many mothers separated from their children. In the past four years, Cuba has lost 24% of its population, a staggering figure that reflects a massive exodus in search of better opportunities. This phenomenon has turned Mother's Day into a day of pain and distance for many families.
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