Cubans staged May Day demonstrations throughout the island nation on Friday to reiterate their commitment to pushing forward their economy and peace amidst a severe economic crisis and crushing U.S. sanctions.
Over half a million demonstrators, joined by top government authorities, staged a huge march on Havana's main thoroughfares and gathered at the Jose Marti Anti-Imperialist Plaza in front of the U.S. Embassy to mark the International Workers' Day.
At the plaza, the May Day march, under the national slogan "The Homeland Must Be Defended," was joined by Cuban revolutionary leader Raul Castro, President Miguel Diaz-Canel, top unionists and government officials.
Bearing placards and flags, the demonstrators raised their voices in support of the Cuban socialist revolution and against ongoing U.S. sanctions, including an oil blockade that has crippled the nation's economy.
"Here in Cuba, on May 1, we celebrate our national holiday and reaffirm our conviction that we will defend our homeland at any cost," said Rosales, a Cuban demonstrator.
"Because the empire has its claws on us, they don't let us breathe, they want to suffocate us, and we have to grow stronger every day to overcome the difficulties. That is Cuba, that is who we Cubans are," said O'Farrill, another demonstrator.
The May Day celebration in Havana was joined by hundreds of activists from the U.S., Europe and other parts of the world, who came to express their full support and solidarity for the Cuban people.
"We have a strength because we hear how the people here are together, united, defending their revolution and their right to live in peace, to have the economic and social system they choose. No one can tell Cuba how it should live," said Oliveira, a Brazilian demonstrator in attendance.
"I'm with the U.S. Hands Off Cuba Committee and we are here today because we believe in the Cuban people's self determination and freedom and liberation, and we want the U.S. to take their hands off Cuba. We want the sanctions and the 65 years of the blockade to end," said Monet Cardenas, a U.S. activist.
The "My Signature for the Homeland" campaign, organized two weeks ago, collected signatures from over 6 million Cubans aged 16 and over. A symbolic book of signatures was presented to Raul Castro and Diaz-Canel during the event.
The cultural-political demonstration included artistic performances, dances, and songs, which reflected the peace-loving nature of the Cuban people and their determination to keep defending their social achievements.
The May Day march came after U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on Cuba.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the new sanctions as "unilateral coercive measures." He said these actions demonstrate an intention to impose collective punishment on the Cuban people and violate the United Nations Charter.
The United States has maintained sanctions against Cuba for over 60 years, with a comprehensive trade embargo officially instituted in February 1962. The sanctions have remained in place, and at times tightened or slightly eased ever since.
500,000 people rally in Havana to support Cuban socialism, protest US sanctions
