Once more, a house in Havana has become the talk of the town for its breathtaking display of Christmas lights and decorations. Known for its tradition of transforming its facade into a beacon of festive cheer, this house has amazed locals in 2024, offering a glimmer of hope amid the country's ongoing energy crisis. This dazzling spectacle has become a cherished visual gift for neighbors who eagerly await it each year.
Situated at the corner of San Benigno and Santa Irene, near the Santos Suárez park in Havana’s Diez de Octubre municipality, this house even employs night guards to protect its decorations from theft.
“For Cubans, this is something new; Christmas, in these times, is a form of entertainment unseen by some,” commented journalist Mario Vallejo on his Facebook profile. The comments section revealed more insights into this festive tale from Havana.
Resident Ismara Rodríguez highlighted the tradition, noting, “My family lives nearby, and it’s customary for those neighbors to decorate like this. In such a popular neighborhood, it's very striking and brings a bit of joy.” Meanwhile, Dalila Castillo remarked, “This is not new; they’ve been doing it for years. I used to work close by in the Santos Suárez neighborhood, and it’s something they do every year—a beautiful touch that few can afford these days.”
Jerry García shared some challenges faced by the organizers: “Last year, they had to take everything down because a lieutenant ordered it.” Raúl Ángel recalled the painful past, “I remember my father throwing away all Christmas decorations, very sad, because they were seen as bourgeois, imperialist, and not revolutionary, marking you as the enemy. I’ve never forgotten it!”
Kimberly Elliott expressed her disbelief, “Oh my God, was it really forbidden? Can someone explain what year this happened and who banned it? This story leaves me stunned.” Yuli Lorenzo added to the discussion, “In Cuba, politics is intertwined with everything. I remember how my grandmother in the 80s would hide a small tree so the neighbors wouldn’t see it because it was forbidden.”
Mario Herr emphasized, “I recall when dictator Fidel Castro banned Christmas trees and many other things.”
This is not the first time a Havana family has spread Christmas cheer by decorating their home for the holidays. In 2023, a three-story house adorned with numerous Christmas-themed inflatables garnered admiration from online users.
Others have found different ways to embrace the festive spirit. Bar K5, located in Guanabo, Havana, has announced a charitable initiative for the end of the year: offering a special meal to the most vulnerable community members, including children in difficult family situations, neglected elderly, and the homeless.
Understanding Havana's Christmas Tradition and Its Challenges
Why does the house in Havana employ night guards for its decorations?
The house employs night guards to prevent theft of its elaborate and valuable Christmas decorations.
What historical challenges have affected Christmas celebrations in Cuba?
Historically, Christmas celebrations in Cuba were discouraged as they were deemed bourgeois and imperialist by the government, leading to the prohibition of Christmas trees and decorations.
How does the community in Havana respond to the house's Christmas decorations?
The community eagerly anticipates the house's decorations each year, as they bring joy and hope, especially during difficult times.