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Cuban Women Claim May Day Marches Offer Escape from Daily Hardships

Sunday, May 4, 2025 by Felix Ortiz

In Matanzas, a Cuban woman who took part in the May Day parade shared that the experience left her feeling "superb," not due to political or union motivations, but as a means to escape everyday struggles. "I see that people are not thinking about their problems; they're focusing on the work they're doing and what the country is doing for us," she remarked during an interview aired on the state-run TV Yumurí channel.

According to her account, the atmosphere in Matanzas was festive and emotional. "I was with a group of young people, and one of them stood up high and said, ‘I march because I want to, because this is my country, this is my Cuba!’ That fills you with joy and happiness, seeing how my people, despite all the deficiencies and difficulties, keep moving forward. Because look, we are Cuba!"

These statements have been celebrated by state media as a display of patriotism and commitment but have also sparked questions about the true purpose of the mobilization. To many, the enthusiasm shown does not reflect the majority sentiment but rather a learned response in a context of ideological control, fear of being singled out, or simple emotional evasion.

Marching as a Political Performance

Another participant echoed the official rhetoric by stating that the march was a demonstration of resilience against U.S. sanctions. "This year we have once again shown a strong response from the people of Matanzas to the blockade imposed on our country," she declared.

This type of argument fits into the narrative promoted by the regime, which attributes most internal hardships to the economic embargo. However, this explanation fails to convince a growing segment of the population, who see the state as the main culprit for mismanagement, economic stagnation, and political repression.

The notion that marching "responds to the blockade" turns the parade into a political performance. In a society with little room for public dissent without consequences, this "strong response" is perceived as a scene orchestrated from above, rather than a genuine popular stance.

The Illusion of Spontaneity

Echoing this perspective, Jorge Luis Broche Lorenzo, a member of the Secretariat and head of the Economic Productive Department of the Communist Party's Central Committee, insisted that the massive attendance at the march was entirely spontaneous. "Seeing expressions of such joy and passion that come from people's hearts speaks for itself. What force could make a people do this? They say they won't attend the march, but it's in our blood, in our hearts!"

Broche argued that participation is a "conscious attitude," even amid material shortages. "People come to express what they feel, each one despite the difficulties we face," he maintained.

This rhetoric, evoking the epic of resistance and voluntary sacrifice, seeks to keep alive the narrative of a people united around socialism. Nonetheless, it can be seen as an attempt to disguise an increasingly unsustainable reality under triumphalist rhetoric.

More Than Just a Celebration

The May Day parade, traditionally a propaganda showcase for the Cuban regime, has for many ceased to be a celebration of labor and become an obligatory ritual. While some participants genuinely embrace it with enthusiasm, others attend out of inertia, institutional pressure, or simply to avoid trouble. The official exaltation of joy and happiness contrasts sharply with daily testimonies of frustration, shortages, and exhaustion.

As in previous years, the parade took place amid a severe economic crisis, marked by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and collapsed transportation. The government organized the mass transport of workers and students to ensure attendance at the political event, despite the fuel shortage affecting public transportation. Refusing to participate can lead to repercussions in workplaces or educational institutions.

While state television broadcasted images of waving flags and rehearsed choreographies, thousands of social media users denounced the disconnect between the official discourse and the harsh everyday reality. "The only thing you breathe in Cuba is blackout," commented one user in response to the president’s post.

Understanding the May Day Parade in Cuba

What is the significance of the May Day parade in Cuba?

The May Day parade in Cuba is traditionally a celebration of labor, but it has increasingly become a state-managed event aimed at showcasing support for the government and its policies.

Why do some Cubans participate in the May Day parade?

Some Cubans join the parade to express genuine patriotism or solidarity, while others participate due to social pressure, institutional expectations, or to avoid potential repercussions.

How does the government view the May Day parade?

The Cuban government views the May Day parade as a demonstration of public support and unity, using it to promote narratives of resilience against external pressures such as the U.S. embargo.

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