The image of Saint James the Apostle made its way through the streets of Santiago de Cuba once again this Thursday, after more than a century, during his festivity. This event was part of the celebrations marking the 509th anniversary of the founding of the ancient colonial town.
The Holy Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba announced on Facebook that “after more than a hundred years, the image of Saint James the Apostle once again traverses the streets of Santiago de Cuba on his feast day.”
Prior to this, Archbishop Dionisio García Ibáñez of Santiago de Cuba led a mass in honor of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of the Archdiocese and the city. The ceremony also commemorated the 500th anniversary of the creation of Cuba's first diocese, the construction of its cathedral, and the designation of Santiago de Cuba as the headquarters for both.
Low Turnout Highlights Disconnect Between Church and Regime
From the steps of the Santiago de Cuba cathedral, a traditional act on this date, the Archbishop also blessed the city. This moment was captured in a video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook. Notably, the clip revealed a surprisingly low turnout, with Parque Céspedes—the city's main urban space and heart of the old colonial town—almost completely empty.
In contrast, the provincial official press, reflecting the growing divide between the Catholic Church and the regime, mainly promoted an artistic gala as the primary celebration for the city's anniversary. “With the gala ‘Santiago: 509 Years in the Heart of Cuba,’ this city will await midnight at Parque Céspedes, marking the 509th anniversary of Santiago de Cuba's founding,” reported the Sierra Maestra newspaper.
As a backdrop to these official events, the local population traditionally looks forward to celebrating with parades and carnivals. However, this year, even the famous Rumbón Mayor won't see the usual festivities due to prohibitively high costs. The celebration of Santiago de Cuba’s anniversary is happening amid the threats of epidemics, frequent power outages, and relentless inflation.
Understanding the Historical Celebration in Santiago de Cuba
This section provides answers to some common questions about the historical and cultural significance of the celebration of Saint James the Apostle in Santiago de Cuba.
Why is the image of Saint James the Apostle significant?
The image of Saint James the Apostle is significant because he is the patron saint of Santiago de Cuba and the Archdiocese. His image represents the city's rich religious and cultural heritage.
What was commemorated during the mass led by Archbishop Dionisio García Ibáñez?
The mass commemorated the 500th anniversary of the creation of Cuba's first diocese, the construction of the cathedral, and the designation of Santiago de Cuba as its headquarters.
Why was there a low turnout at the mass?
The low turnout at the mass could be attributed to the growing disconnect between the Catholic Church and the regime, as well as various socio-economic challenges facing the population.