Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day

China

Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day

2025-05-02 12:40 Last Updated At：15:47

Cuba held rallies and marches in all provinces on Thursday to celebrate the May Day International Workers' Day, with workers unions, citizens, and global visitors gathered at Havana's Revolution Square for a grand parade.

The May Day parades have been an annual tradition in the country since the victory of the 1959 revolution. For this year, the parades called for solidarity amid global economic turbulence and higher U.S. sanctions.

Started in the early morning, enthusiastic marchers and union workers grouped in blocs representing different unions, holding banners with all kinds of slogans to show support for the government and celebrate the national event.

The parade was presided over by top Cuban government and Communist Party leaders including former President Raul Castro, current President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and Premier Manuel Marrero.

In his remarks at the rally, Cuban Workers' Confederation leader Ulises Guilarte said that this year's celebration took place amid a complex world scenario, marked by the rise of a new and dangerous imperialist offensive. However, Cuban people will keep struggling for a better future, noted Guilarte.

The island country has long been coping with an economic crisis marked by high inflation, shortages, and U.S. sanctions, but the crowds showed their support for the government with the enthusiastic march.

"The revolution remains alive, our revolution will keep advancing; and despite the difficulties we are facing, we are still living a happy life, and we are eager to reach new and nice achievements for our nation," said Lucia Rodriguez, a local demonstrator.

More than 1,000 social activists from around the world also joined the celebration at the Revolution Square, demonstrating against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba.

"I can imagine, due to the blockade, that Cuba needs to have strong relationships of solidarity, so I'm so happy I can be here, and be part of those relationships," said a Canadian activist during the event.

Unique traditions, culture in Yunnan boost holiday economy

Holiday celebrations with strong festive vibes in southwest China's Yunnan Province are attracting crowds of visitors thanks to the rich local traditions, cuisine, and culture.

Mojiang County is home to the Hani ethnic group. On Saturday, the second day of the May Day holiday, the Hani people were celebrating one of their most vibrant traditions, the Long-Street Banquet.

There was a grand open-air feast -- a hallmark of Hani culture. During major festivals, local families would line the streets with long rows of tables, and gather together to share food and music in celebration. This year, more than 100 tables have been set up, welcoming both residents and visitors to join in. And among the many dishes on offer, purple rice stands out as a local favorite, prized not only for its rich flavor but also for its deep cultural significance.

But this banquet is just one part of the county's 20th International Twins Festival. Located along the Tropic of Cancer, Mojiang is widely known as China's "Town of Twins", with a twin birth rate significantly higher than the global average.

This year, more than 1,000 pairs of twins have gathered here, including participants from nearly 20 countries. Earlier today, they took part in a vibrant parade through the town, greeting residents and visitors along the route. It's a rare sight, and one that truly brings the festival to life.

There is no shortage of experiences for visitors. Visitors can join traditional circle dances around a bonfire, while live performances by local singers add even more energy to the festive atmosphere. Another well-known tradition sees people exchange blessings by smearing an edible black powder on each other's faces, symbolizing good luck.