Raul Castro (R), leader of the Cuban socialist revolution, together with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, participate in the traditional May Day parade at the Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhu Wanjun)
HAVANA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Cubans participated in the traditional May Day parade Sunday at Havana's Revolution Square for the first time since the onset of the pandemic here in 2020.
The event, which celebrates International Workers' Day, was attended by Raul Castro, who helped lead Cuba's socialist revolution alongside his brother Fidel Castro, as well as Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, high-ranking officials, and heads of labor unions and other organizations.
Addressing the crowd, Ulises Guilarte, general secretary of the Workers Central Union, praised the people's efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and condemned the ongoing U.S.-led trade and financial blockade.
"The U.S. blockade against the island is the main obstacle to our development programs," Guilarte said, adding that despite the economic hardships caused by the sanctions, the Cuban people will continue to support socialist ideals and principles.
Thousands marched along Paseo Avenue, wearing face masks, waving Cuban flags, chanting patriotic songs, and holding banners that read: "Cuba lives and works."
Among them was Mario Chavez, a public-sector worker who attended the event with his wife and two teenage sons.
"We want to express our undeniable support for the Cuban political system and its social achievements. This is also a great opportunity to express our solidarity with workers worldwide," Chavez said.
Younger generations of Cubans were also present, including university student Damaris Perez, who said the country's youth were up to the task of defending the values and principles of socialism.
"This is clear proof of our unity, and we are determined to continue paving the way for a better future. We will not surrender despite the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. government against Cuba," said Perez.
More than 1,000 social activists from around the world joined the celebration at Revolution Square as similar smaller parades took place across Cuba, where May Day parades have been an annual tradition since the victory of the 1959 revolution. ■
Cubans participate in the traditional May Day parade at the Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 1, 2022. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)
Cubans participate in the traditional May Day parade at the Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhu Wanjun)
Cubans participate in the traditional May Day parade at the Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhu Wanjun)
Cubans participate in the traditional May Day parade at the Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 1, 2022. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)
Raul Castro, leader of the Cuban socialist revolution, participates in the traditional May Day parade at the Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 1, 2022. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)
