May Day in Cuba

International Workers' Day - May 1

May Day (1st of May) is massively celebrated in Cuba with workers marching with their colleagues to the Revolution Square, where special cultural and musical events are held as well as speeches from leading figures. The largest gathering in Cuba is in Havana, where every year more than a million workers, gather at the Plaza de la Revolucion at the foot of the giant statue of Cuba's godfather of the Revolution - Jose Marti.

In 2012 we have 2 tours that include participation in this event:

It's a spectacular scene with masses of people dressed in red, waving flags and displaying banners in support of the Cuban Revolution. Traditionally Fidel would address the people with one of his typically lengthy speeches, encouraging and congratulating the workers on their achievements. Now it is assumed that Raul or another leading figure will make the speech, albiet a somewhat shorter one.

May Day is celebrated around the world and originally refers to an internationally-celebrated holiday in commemoration of the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Today it is more connected with a celebration of the more general social and economic achievements of the international working class and labor movement. May Day became established as the traditional socialist holiday during the 20th century; in these circles, the holiday is often known as International Workers' Day or Labour Day.

Click here to see photos of May Day in Havana in 2011.