Tens of thousands of Cubans gathered in Havana this Friday to commemorate the 32 soldiers killed during a recent confrontation with U.S. forces that followed the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3rd. The event, held at the Tribuna Antimperialista, marked the end of a week of official tributes to the fallen soldiers, whose remains had already been returned to their home provinces.
Recentralization of Public Demonstrations
The large-scale mobilization echoes a practice common during the years of Fidel Castro’s leadership, when public gatherings were frequently convened to address the population, sometimes for hours under harsh conditions. While such events diminished after Castro’s death ten years ago, authorities have increasingly utilized them in the past year to address issues such as the war in Gaza, express support for Venezuela, and reinforce internal messaging.
The gathering began at dawn, with attendees arriving via numerous buses under heavy security, which included street closures and thorough checks of signs and banners by plainclothes officers. Despite the damp and windy conditions, and a rainy day prior during the funeral at the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the event proceeded with a brief ceremony led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel before a two-kilometer march along the coast.
President Díaz-Canel, dressed in military attire, addressed the crowd, stating that the U.S. operation was “not the walkover they have sold to the world” and asserting that “someday the whole truth will be known.” He recounted details of the confrontation, specifically mentioning Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Márquez, who he credited with damaging a U.S. helicopter, and Colonel Lázaro Evangelio Rodríguez, who died during a rescue attempt.
The demonstration concluded with participants dispersing after approximately two hours. Some soldiers reportedly made provocative gestures toward the U.S. flag near the American diplomatic mission. Amidst the political display, ordinary citizens continued their daily routines, such as an elderly woman selling coffee and cigarettes to attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this demonstration?
The demonstration was held to honor the 32 Cuban soldiers who died during a confrontation with U.S. forces following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3rd.
What was President Díaz-Canel’s message during the event?
President Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba would not yield to “coercion or intimidation” from the United States, but reiterated Cuba’s willingness to engage in dialogue “on equal terms and with mutual respect.”
How does this event compare to past practices in Cuba?
The event echoes large-scale public gatherings common during Fidel Castro’s leadership, which had become less frequent in the decade following his death, but have been revived in the past year.
As tensions between Cuba and the United States remain elevated, it is possible that the government will continue to utilize these public displays to demonstrate resolve and rally support. Further escalations could lead to more frequent and larger demonstrations, while a shift towards dialogue could see a decrease in these events.
