Subject: Happy Easter from SCT!🐣🐰

Hola Friend,


como estas? Hope you have been well.


Can you believe that Easter is upon us already? Yoanis and I have been discussing the traditions over Easter in Cuba. It is funny seeing us having these discussions ... we are comparing 'our communism'. Given I was born in Hungary well before the wall came down (now I am showing my age) I have some experience in the socialist era of Hungary and have seen the change over. Nevertheless, every time he tells me things like Easter having been trumped out because it was viewed as a capitalist holiday, I have to tell him that under our regime, Easter was still celebrated.


After all, Easter actually is originally a pagan celebration of Easter equinox. We had great fun in Hungary, painting Easter eggs, going on Easter egg hunts, and the girls 'being watered' so we don't wither over the next 12 months - although I have to say I was glad that by my time parfume was used instead of a bucket of water to carry out this tradition. It's actually rather sad that Cuba has lost so much tradition over time :-(


Nevertheless, things are now changing in Cuba too. Although mostly because of the change of stance on religion. Although the church was banned for many years, some 50% of the population identify as Christian and, accordingly, Easter in Cuba is becoming increasingly important. Indeed, Good Friday is now a public holiday!


Easter Procession in Cuba


Several towns carry on with this tradition these days. In Trinidad the most important of these is the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday. This sombre event starts from the Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima at approximately 7pm, with the priest and participants carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary through the cobbled streets of Trinidad’s historic centre, followed by hundreds of residents and a number of visitors, all carrying candles.


The city of Camaguey is located in the eastern half of the island and, while not as visited as Trinidad, is another beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage destination, famous for its beautiful architecture and baffling street layout, designed to confuse marauding pirates.


Over the Easter period, visitors to Camaguey can enjoy the Procession of the Holy Sepulchre from the Plaza de la Merced to the Iglesia de la Soledad. Dating back to the 18th century, the relic carried along by the procession is reputed to have been cast with 25,000 pesos in solid silver coins and is one of, if not the most, valuable religious pieces left in Cuba.


If you’re in Santiago de Cuba over Easter, it would also be worthwhile visiting nearby El Cobre, the island’s most important pilgrimage site.


Churches in Cuba are now also able to deliver Easter Mass.

"Shall I Travel to Cuba"


This is something we are often asked.. I'd say, if it's on your mind you have got to go 😍


Why are people apprehensive? Because of what the media delivers.. and often times (I think sadly) Cubans who no longer live there. To me when those posts pop up it seems like they are forgetting that there are people left back in their Country who are trying to survive! I am very tempted at times to respond with the footage of tent city in LA, that's worse than ever.. or the statistics on parts of Miami where 1:4 get assaulted, raped or murdered... or remind them of the 'no go zones' of Paris!


Just like anywhere, Cuba also has problems and challenges. Yet, there are ways to travel that supports the people on the ground.


So I thought, I'd share with you a post I have seen in a Facebook Group that shares Cuba Travel Tips:


I’ve just returned from 3weeks travelling solo around Cuba so I thought I’d update everyone on the situation.


1. Go, go, go!

It’s amazing and even though the Cubans are really suffering with food shortages and power cuts, they are so friendly.


2. Take as many packets of paracetamol as you can possibly carry, everyone asks and the pharmacy shelves are bare.

Also I took vitamins, condoms, female hygiene products, deodorant, aftershave, acrylic paints, powdered baby milk, reading glasses - these are unobtainable and the joy on peoples faces when receiving any of the above was immeasurable!❤️


3. In Viñales and Trinidad there are power cuts daily, usually for around 7hrs at a time so bring a power pack. Use restaurants that have generators so you can charge your phone.


4. The $35 tourist sim didn’t really work for me but I met other travellers who had a more recent model of phone and they didn’t seem to have as many problems. Also the internet was off Cuba wide for 3 days due to the government not wanting any communication between demonstrators or live postings of videos on social media.


5. Take CASH. $ gets the better deal as Cubans need hard currency to buy any item from the government shops. € are accepted everywhere but the rate is same as the $.


6. I was a little apprehensive about travelling solo but it was completely safe. I went to the Havana street fiesta alone where I danced & made friends. As long as you’re clear on your intentions they are super respectful.


7. Pack your bag and do it, I’ve travelled extensively and Cuba is now up there in my top 5. ❤️😍


Hope this helps.


So there you have it...


There are challenges, yet if you are coming with an open heart and mind you may just have the time of your life.



¡Vamos a Cuba!

Hasta la próxima,

Yoanis and Orsolya



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