English Translations of Cubans Writing From the Island
Cuba is a long and narrow island, with discrete mountain ranges along the coasts, ideal conditions for a good railroad. We were pioneers in this invention and being a colony of Spain, we had it before the metropolis. We should have an excellent rail network, it is an economic means of transport, ideal for the … Continue reading “Railroad Will”
Exciting atmosphere. It’s 2:10 in the afternoon and outside the Yara cinema, right in the heart of the central 23rd Avenue, there are hundreds of people with T-shirts, caps, flags and scarves for the Spanish and other countries. Most of the fans are young students from the nearby University of Havana, who wait, biting their … Continue reading “The Cinema, Soccer and Vuvuzelas”
My name is Julián Guerra Deriet. I was born March 11, 1972. I live in cubicle 1 of hall 6, on Varona Street between Mayia Rodriguez and Lindero, in the Poey neighborhood, Arroya Naranjo municipality. My wife is names Marisol Bolanos Cordero, she’s pregnant and we already have one daughter. My life is like that … Continue reading “The Street Belongs to Me, to You, and to Every Cuban”
I looked at the picture of the political prisoner Ariel Sigler, taken after his release from prison. I closed my eyes, while various feelings swept over me. Once again I felt the reaction of the effect of his example. I wiped away the tears and composed myself. I tried to imagine the future, before shouting … Continue reading “Whispers in the Wind”
Exciting atmosphere. It’s 2:10 in the afternoon and outside the Yara cinema, right in the heart of the central 23rd Avenue, there are hundreds of people with T-shirts, caps, flags and scarves for the Spanish and other countries. Most of the fans are young students from the nearby University of Havana, who wait, biting their … Continue reading “The Cinema, Soccer and Vuvuzelas”
There is still a labyrinth of parliamentary procedures. But the U.S. Congress is considering authorizing the travel of its citizens to Cuba. The measure appears to have great potential for adoption. Already the Castro brothers are sharpening their teeth. If the gringo politicians say yes, cash registers will overflow with dollars. Let the ‘bucks’ (dollars) … Continue reading “Waiting for the Americans”
Perhaps, dear reader, this name may remind you of little or nothing, but for me, and for all of us who have the privilege of knowing him, it means a lot. I met him a few months after being released from prison in 2007. I had gone to Colon with my wife to visit her … Continue reading “Ernesto Mederos Arrozarena”
“Ungrateful! Talking trash about the Revolution and today you have a name only because it gave you free health care and education. Besides, it guarantees you a monthly allotment of basic goods while around the world millions of people die from hunger every day.” “You know, I don’t like talking bad about anyone behind their … Continue reading “No Problem”
A tragic fashion. Objectionable to many. The only option the opponents have. They believe that in this way they can force the regime. It is their war cry. But it is not a new weapon. Already in 1972 a 53-day hunger strike took the life of opponent Pedro Luis Boitel. It was before the era … Continue reading “Hunger Strikes, Weapon of Cuban Dissidents”
There are particular stores in Havana to chose from. In some, you will find arts and crafts made by hand. Others are better sorted than the Cuban outlet of Adidas or Zara. This is the case with the “shopping” establishment of Rufino, age 45 and retired because of an illness. In his house he sells … Continue reading “The Business of the "Pacotilla" in Havana”
First Convivencia Literary Contest 2010 Minutes of the Jury Prize in the Essay category: Utopia, Challenges and Difficulties in Today’s Cuba. By Dimas Castellanos Marti, of Bayamo, who lives in Havana Unanimously and in one of the most difficult discussions that taken by this jury, it emerged as the decision in the prize for a … Continue reading “Minutes of the First Convivencia Contest 2010”
By Dagoberto Valdés Dear Prize Winners, Ladies and Gentleman of the Jury, Friends: Coexistence Magazine, less than three years old, begins the journey of literary and artistic competitions, next to the wall of a family that has given us a home without borders. After three years spanning the distances, we could mimic the famous poet … Continue reading “The Words of Dagoberto Valdés at the Awards Ceremony for the First Literary Contest of the Magazine Convivencia”
Sandy Olivera is a young Cuban who, two years ago, emigrated as a political refugee to the United States. His girlfriend remained on this side of the sea. A week ago, he returned to Cuba to marry her. The formalization of the marriage took place in the Specialized Notary at 23rd and J, in Vedado, … Continue reading “The Foreignization of Cubans”
Being a journalist in Cuba is like performing black magic. Investigating a story or getting reliable data is like trying to catch hold of a mirage. With a faltering voice, people whisper information to you that there is no way of confirming. I will give examples. Having some drinks one hot night on the balcony of his … Continue reading “Being a Journalist is Almost Impossible in Cuba / Ivan Garcia”
It is organized for the weekends in the city of Havana. It takes place in public spaces, avenues or wide plots of undeveloped land. Trucks arrive and improvise points of sales- some sell directly from their vehicles, on boxes, on the floor. The offers vary: viands (potato, sweet potato, yucca, bananas), fruits, vegetables, meat derivatives, … Continue reading “The Capital Dresses Itself for the Fair”