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.
Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day
Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day
