“July is not just any date, it is a cry, it is the roar of a people that could no longer endure”. This is how the emotional video released on July 11 by Cuban creators Abejas Memes and Jonathan Montelongo begins, in tribute to the fourth anniversary of the 11J protests, the largest social upheaval Cuba has experienced in decades.
The audiovisual, titled “July is no longer the 26th, July is an 11th of freedom”, aims to recontextualize the month of July, historically co-opted by the official narrative of July 26, and to pay tribute to those who raised their voices in the streets of the island on that day in 2021.
"On that day, at every corner, in every neighborhood, in every heart, the Cubans rose up without hatred, without weapons, only with the strength of truth,” Montelongo recalls in a calm but firm voice.
A collaboration from exile
The collaboration between Jonathan Montelongo, known on social media as John Wayne, and Abejas Memes, one of the most viral voices of the Cuban diaspora, represents not only a tribute but also a political and emotional statement.
Both artists have found in exile a space to continue their activism through satire, social criticism, and humor, tools that deeply resonate with the sensibilities of the Cuban people.
Jonathan, who left the island at the end of 2023, confessed on social media that he left “with a passport, a backpack, and a million dreams,” after feeling that his life in Cuba was marked by fear, insecurity, and a lack of future. After crossing several borders, he settled in Miami, where he continues to create content and share his story with thousands of followers.
On its part, Abejas Memes, popularized in 2021 for its irreverent "calls to the State Council", has managed to consolidate a critical and engaged digital community. In 2022, it received the Silver Play Button from YouTube after surpassing 100,000 subscribers.
“The flame remains lit, and there is no distance or prison that can extinguish it”, the video states, referring to the repression following 11J and the forced exile of many young people and activists.
Far from the usual solemnity, the creators maintain their direct style, filled with symbolism and tinged with dark humor. Just a few months ago, the characters Macusa and Aurora, portrayed by both influencers, went viral in a sketch that fantasizes about going back in time to change Cuba's history. The joke, read between the lines, reveals a bitter truth: many Cubans still dream of a different country.
“July was just the beginning, the story is still being written and the day will come when that cry will resonate freely across the entire island”, states Abejas Memes at the end of the video.
With a simple yet emotionally charged staging, the final message resonates like a promise:
"To the brave ones, to those who have stepped out, to those who still resist, we do not forget you. Cuba will be free."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fourth Anniversary of 11J in Cuba
What does 11J mean in Cuba's recent history?
11J represents the largest social upheaval in Cuba in decades, when thousands of Cubans took to the streets on July 11, 2021, shouting "Freedom!", demanding democratic changes and an end to the dictatorship. This event marked a turning point in the collective consciousness of the Cuban people, symbolizing a strong desire for freedom and political change. The protests were violently repressed, with hundreds of people imprisoned, but 11J continues to be remembered and commemorated as a symbol of resistance and hope for a free Cuba.
How have Cubans commemorated the fourth anniversary of 11J?
The fourth anniversary of the 11J has been commemorated by Cuban artists and influencers who, from exile or within the island, have flooded social media with messages, photos, and videos recalling that day. These posts not only remember the magnitude of the protests but also the violent repression that followed. The messages on social media have served to pay tribute to the demonstrators and reaffirm the commitment of many Cubans to their country's freedom. Artistic and cultural expressions, such as themed videos and makeup, have also been part of these commemorations.
What is the message of the video "Julio is no longer a 26, July is an 11 of freedom"?
The video “July is no longer a 26, July is an 11 of freedom” aims to reframe the month of July, which has historically been appropriated by the official narrative of July 26, and pay tribute to those who raised their voices during the protests of July 11, 2021. Created by Cuban influencers Abejas Memes and Jonathan Montelongo, the video highlights the courage of the Cuban people who peacefully stood up that day. The collaboration from exile is not only a tribute but also a political and emotional statement about the struggle for freedom and change in Cuba.
What has been the response of the Cuban regime on the fourth anniversary of 11J?
On the fourth anniversary of 11J, the Cuban regime has reaffirmed its stance that "Cuba is standing firm," according to statements from the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. The government has undermined the legitimacy of the protests, arguing that they were organized from abroad, and has maintained its narrative of resistance against "external aggressions." At the same time, it has intensified its repression against dissidents and has categorized several opponents as "cybert terrorists," in an attempt to criminalize the use of social media for dissent.
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