English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
Tall like a pine and genuine in his desire to express himself through art that is ephemeral and challenging, describes the young Cuban graffiti artist, Danilo Maldonado Machado — alias El Sexto (The Sixth) — who does not smile at the spring greenery nor the excess of tropical light, despite a love for the colorful … Continue reading “El Sexto, Between Paints and Searches / Miguel Iturria Savon”
Poster by Rolando Pulido That poster in support of Orlando Zapata, Antonio Rodiles or Yoani Sánchez, which you are about to “Like” on Facebook and share with your friends, was designed by a man from Cienfuegos who lives in New York. Rolando Pulido came to the United States twenty years ago and since then has … Continue reading “The Man Who Gives Color to Cuban Activism / Luis Felipe Rojas”
The first Cuban vice-president, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez visited the headquarters of the Cultural Yoruba Association of Cuba this past Monday, days after the Department of State published a document in regards to religious freedom, which alleges that there have been some advances as far as Cuba’s approach in these matters. While the second-in-line of the … Continue reading “Being a Dissident and a Practitioner of Santeria, a Difficult Path / Luis Felipe Rojas”
The development of graffiti as rebellious art expression in Cuba has been rough and rather late when compared with the rest of the world. However, in the last two years has seen an explosion of popularity thanks to the work of El Sexto — the Sixth — the pen name of the Danilo Maldonado Machado, … Continue reading “Graffiti: El Sexto / Cuban Blogger Magazine”
Five years ago expectations were high with regards to the selection of the new government elite. Many people speculated about who would be the next first vice president. Bets focused on two candidates: Carlos Lage Davila and Jose Ramon Ventura. Whoever was chosen, observers theorized, would suggest Raul Castro’s orientation over the next five years. … Continue reading “Where is Cuba Headed? / Antonio Rodiles”
“Good morning,” said the woman with the thick voice and deep tone. My sister responded in kind and the woman began offering medications for sale. The clock indicated it was seven minutes past eight in the morning. The twins had just left for school. Yesterday a neighbor commented on the shortage of books and notebooks … Continue reading “The Perverse Path of Repression / Agustin Valentin Lopez Canino”
At election time, the issue of relations between the governments of Cuba and the United States becomes a regular part of the speeches of the different candidates, whether Democrat or Republican. A key issue is the so-called blockade (in reality an embargo), which for over fifty years has served Cuba’s leaders as a comfortable rug … Continue reading “Siren Songs / Fernando Dámaso”
The venue for this year’s parade will once again be the Plaza of the Revolution, which for some is still Civic Plaza. One new aspect in particular will stand out. For the first time in more than fifty years self-employed workers and owners of small businesses will take part. They are already unionized. So, will … Continue reading “An Odd May Day / Rebeca Monzo”
When Norberto (alias) defected from a sports tournament in Canada, the Cuban authorities, as usual, tried to erase him from the collective memory of fans who deliriously cheered his spectacular shots at the basket. No journalist dared to write his name. Nor tell of his athletic feats. When they tell the history of national basketball, … Continue reading “Cuba, the Diaspora and the "Revolutionary Worms" / Iván García”
“A Miami-based Cuban journalist” is the same one who, a while ago, was complaining, as usual, because in Miami they permitted for only 24 hours a billboardshowing the five spies sentenced by the United States. We should thank him in some way for teaching us that there, in “enemy” territory, at least they can engage … Continue reading “Mr. Lázaro Fariñas / Angel Santiesteban”
Eliot Ness and his group in Chicago in the 30’s were called ’The Untouchables’. They fought head on rampant corruption in the Windy City, and through legal chicanery of tax evasion led gangster Al Capone to prison. That group of Chicago has a female version in Cuba. Her name is Gladys Maria Bejerano Portela. She … Continue reading “Gladys Bejerano’ Cuba’s “Iron Lady” / Iván García”
The five spies serving sentences in the United States, four in prisons and one on parole (for two years he can’t leave the country), together with their families, have been converted, at least officially, as a result of a massive media campaign, into paradigms of the politically correct citizen. When one speaks of courage and … Continue reading “False Paradigms / Fernando Dámaso”
The Cuba of the 21st century is split in two. The islet of the gentleman and the atoll of the comrade. The keys of capitalism are recognizable. Neon lights, fresh paint, large windows and air conditioning. In its stores, hotels, cabarets, nightclubs, bars and restaurants charging in hard currency (with New York prices), its employees, … Continue reading “Capitalism in Castro’s Island / Iván García”
Just as expected, the article I published in number 9 of the magazine Voces which I reposted in this blog caused stinging and irritation in more than one website, which always makes me feel good. Among those affected by the stings, blogger Elaine Díaz seems to honor me with her attention in a particular way. … Continue reading “Response to Elaine’s Irritation / Miriam Celaya”
The contractor Alan Gross, 61, remains in jail. Raúl Castro’s government definitively sentenced him to 15 years. The Gross case was shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. And it brought back the Cold War era. After 15 months in a cell and in legal limbo, the judge handed down the sentence. Something similar happens to other … Continue reading “Alan Gross or the Political Chess Game between Cuba and the US / Iván García”
