The Embassy of the United States in Havana congratulated Cubans, both on the island and abroad, on the Day of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the national patroness.
“Today we congratulate all Cubans, both on and off the island, for the Day of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. Cachita,” published the diplomatic mission on its official account on X, accompanying the message with a short video.
The material combines images of the Basilica of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba and the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami, symbolically bringing together the two shores of the Cuban nation, with both places being visited by Mike Hammer, Head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba.
The overprinted texts read: "We add our hopes to those of the Cubans who revere him, both inside and outside the island, for a better future for Cuba and its people."
The message becomes particularly significant this date, just hours after a massive blackout plunged the eastern region into darkness, and amidst a crisis that leaves millions of Cubans in a state of constant despair.
The Virgin of Charity, known as "Cachita," is one of the most deeply rooted devotions in Cuban culture and represents a source of comfort for millions of believers in the face of scarcity, migration, and a lack of freedoms.
The message from the Embassy of the United States in Cuba comes hours after the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba announced the
On his part, Mons. Dionisio García Ibáñez, archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, recalled this Sunday that the Virgin of Charity of Copper has been a symbol of unity and comfort in the most tragic moments in the history of the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Devotion to the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre and the Cuban Context
What does the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre represent for Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity of Copper is the patroness of Cuba and a symbol of hope, faith, and unity for Cubans. Her devotion transcends religious boundaries, uniting both Catholics and practitioners of Afro-Cuban religions. The Virgin, affectionately known as "Cachita," represents comfort and protection in times of hardship, and is venerated both on and off the island.
How was the Day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre celebrated in 2025?
In 2025, the Day of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre was celebrated with various religious and cultural activities both in Cuba and abroad. In Cuba, the faithful faced difficulties due to a massive blackout that affected the eastern region, forcing the cancellation of the traditional youth pilgrimage. In exile, Cuban communities in cities like Miami and Madrid held prayers and masses in honor of the Virgin, asking for an end to the dictatorship and the crisis on the island.
What was the message from the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre?
The United States Embassy in Cuba congratulated Cubans on the Day of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre and expressed hope for a better future for Cuba. In their message, they emphasized the importance of the Virgin as a symbol of unity for Cubans both on the island and abroad. Additionally, the head of the U.S. mission, Mike Hammer, visited places of devotion in both countries, reinforcing the bond between Cuban communities in Cuba and in exile.
Why is the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre a symbol of resistance for Cubans?
The Virgin of Charity of Cobre is seen as a symbol of resistance because she has accompanied the Cuban people in their struggles for freedom and independence. During the wars of independence, she was known as the Mambi Virgin, and her worship has remained an expression of identity and hope in the face of the political and economic adversities that the island faces. Her image is present in the hearts of Cubans, serving as a spiritual guide in times of crisis.
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