Memories of a subdued Christmas in Cuba
Published:Monday | December 26, 2022 | 12:05 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer -
Despite Christmas not being largely celebrated in Cuba, Fermîn Gabriel Quiñones Sánchez, Cuba's ambassador to Jamaica says he is enjoying holiday festivities here.
Speaking with The Gleaner, Sánchez explained that Christmas was banned in Cuba from 1969 by then communist leader, Fidel Castro.
“We are an atheist country and we do not promote any religion over the other,” he said.
However, December 25 was declared a public holiday in honour of the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998, who requested the Cuban government to consider reversing the ban on Christmas celebrations.
But when one travels to Cuba, Sánchez said, the traditional Christmas trees, pepper lights and other holiday decorations will not be seen,.
Although the Cuban people will not be seen openly celebrating Christmas, he pointed out that this did not mean that there were no locals who observed the occasion.
They have however, preferred to do in the seclusion of their own homes.
He added that others would engage in attending parties on December 25 that were not linked to the birth of Christ.
Sánchez informed Cubans went to considerably greater lengths to prepare for and celebrate the New Year, on January 1 and also observe the triumph of the revolution — also known as Liberation Day — that celebrates the victory of the revolutionaries under the leadership of Fidel Castro.
The Cuban Revolution was an armed rebellion against the Batista regime's military rule 69 years ago.
Since he has taken up office, Sánchez stated he has received numerous invites from friends in Jamaica for him and his family to attend Christmas dinners and parties, where he indulged in Jamaican cuisine.
“I am trying to enjoy Jamaica as much as possible,” he added. The ambassador stated that on a professional level, he wishes for the relationship between the Cuban and Jamaican government to see greater success.
“We have had very intense and fruitful relation for both and as part of my job, I will be wishing the best for the Jamaican people [and] great success...and all the best for the new year to come,” he said.