Related videos:
From social media, several profiles and internet users from Guayos, Sancti Spíritus, have expressed their frustration over the suspension of the traditional celebrations, a decision that led the local population in that central Cuban territory to take to the streets to protest.
The comments on social media reflect discontent and discomfort among the neighbors, who find the decision unfair and regret the cancellation of one of the most important and anticipated cultural festivities in the central region of the country.
The cultural profile Nos Vamos de Parranda, dedicated to promoting Cuban popular festivities, reported with "deep sadness" the suspension until further notice of the Parrandas de Guayos, precisely in the year when the celebration marks its centenary.
"We know that this major festival is the result of the tireless work of its lively neighborhoods throughout the year; that’s why this second postponement hurts even more," the organizers stated in their announcement.
The note adds that, although a new date has not been announced, the team remains hopeful that “the situation will soon be clarified and that Guayos can fully celebrate them, as they should, in line with their history.”
"We remain attentive to share any updates. A supportive hug to all Guayos," concluded the message.
The suspension provoked an immediate and strong reaction on social media. From the Facebook profile Guayos, a brief message was posted that mirrored the general outrage: "The Guayos Parrandas are canceled."
The post ended with a short but powerful phrase that summarizes the feelings of many residents: "Death to tradition."
Some internet users also joined in the reactions following the suspension. Tania Castro called for the unity of the people and neighborhoods to defend the tradition: “Join together, partygoers and people of Guayos, and demand your parrandas.”
In the same vein, Olimpia Pérez requested respect for the neighbors' efforts: “Stop the festivities already and do not delay that wonderful moment any longer; the conditions are ready and the community deserves it.”
On his part, José Luis Guerra was more emphatic in demanding that the celebration continue “without depending on the communists,” while Yadira Marín insisted that the date should not be postponed any further: “We all want the party on the 8th. There is a lot of work and sacrifice from both neighborhoods, and it should be a fair celebration for the people to enjoy.”
The outrage over the suspension of the Guayos Parrandas is due to the fact that in 2025, the festival would have celebrated 100 years of continuous history, reported the Portal Cuba.
Declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2013 and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018, parrandas represent one of the most emblematic traditions of Cuban popular culture.
Guayos, a town in the municipality of Cabaiguán in Sancti Spíritus, holds its grand festival every November, where the neighborhoods La Loma (the goat, red) and Cantarrana (the frog, green) compete in a friendly rivalry with floats, congas, fireworks, and parades that bring together thousands of people from across Cuba.
The centenary was meant to be a special edition, the result of a year's work, featuring workshops and activities to preserve this century-old tradition.
For this reason, its sudden suspension just three days before the event was met with frustration and anger among the residents of Guaya, who see the parrandas not only as a celebration but also as a symbol of local identity and pride.
Filed under: