Cubans mark May Day under COVID restrictions

World Today

 

Over the past 60 years, the Cuban people have staged massive May Day marches on local plazas like Havana’s Revolution Square in support of the International Day of the Worker and labor rights — demonstrations presided over by top Cuban leaders and foreign guest delegations.

But this May Day, Havana’s Revolution Square did not see the traditional workers’ march due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In announcing this year’s commemorations, the Cuban Workers’ Confederation called on all the people to mark International Workers Day with creative initiatives on social media, at work centers, and homes.

In Havana and other cities, buildings were decorated with Cuban flags. Many citizens welcomed the historic date supporting economic and social programs and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have regularly joined the demonstrations as part of the people we really enjoyed them, but we are now marking May Day here from home honoring our principles and  our patriotic feelings,” said Roberto Hernandez a retired worker with a long revolutionary record.

Roberto Hernandez wearing his medals on May Day

Wearing the medals that tell about his past revolutionary deeds, Hernandez is confident that the new generation of Cubans will lead the nation.

“Today, the youths are taking on political and government responsibilities, with a positive attitude about the continuity of our social process, ready to make changes for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Reberto Hernandez and his wife putting up flag on their balcony

Roberto and his wife Esther, like many other Cubans, reflected their activism by decorating their home balcony with a Cuban Flag to mark International Workers’ Day.