Cuba Celebrates May Day Amid Economic Crisis and U.S. Tensions

HAVANA, Cuba, May 1 (Reuters) – Hundreds of thousands of Cubans filled Havana’s Revolution Square on Thursday for the traditional May Day march, amidst a severe economic crisis and rising tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Former President Raul Castro, 93, dressed in a military uniform, and current President Miguel Diaz-Canel led the march, emphasizing unity in the face of U.S. pressure. Diaz-Canel had urged citizens to showcase solidarity despite ongoing hardships.

The Trump administration had implemented new sanctions on Cuba, aggravating a situation the Cuban government blames for a significant economic downturn, with a more than 15% decline over the past five years. “Everyone knew they had to come because this is a moment of revolutionary reaffirmation,” said Diego Fernandez, a 42-year-old participant.

Similar rallies took place across the nation despite blackouts, poor transport, and shortages of basic goods. “This celebration of Labor Day in Cuba is a demonstration of the Cuban people’s respect for their revolution,” said Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, president of the Cuban Federation of Workers, who opened the event.

In a related note, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to take a tougher stance on Cuba. Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. special envoy for Latin America, indicated that further sanctions could be on the way, and he believes a change in Cuban leadership may be imminent.

The Cuban foreign ministry criticized U.S. Chief of Mission Mike Hammer for allegedly using his position to incite “subversion,” referencing recent arrests of high-profile dissidents. Cuba’s government remains firm in attributing its economic struggles to ongoing U.S. sanctions and interventionist policies.