The 8th of September / Rebeca Monzo

Today the city is painted yellow.  Many women wear this color in honor of their Virgin, and carry beautiful yellow flowers in their hands, mostly sunflowers, and men and children accompany them. It is the day of La Caridad del Cobre, Cuba’s Patron Saint, the Mambisa Virgin. No one in the workplaces has to call for this, the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution don’t have to mobilize, there is no overarching organization nor long lines to go and see it.  The people spontaneously come together to offer respect and devotion. Today, at five in the afternoon there will be a pilgrimage, leaving from the church that bears her name.

September 8 2011