This past Sunday, hundreds flocked to the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity in El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, to celebrate Palm Sunday. This sanctuary is regarded as a key pilgrimage site in the country. The official Facebook page of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba reported that most attendees were local faithful, but a notable number of pilgrims also participated, including members of the Granma baseball team. They gathered to partake in the traditional liturgy marking the start of Holy Week.
The day commenced with the blessing of the palms followed by a procession around the sanctuary, concluding with a Eucharistic celebration inside the basilica. Photos shared by the Archdiocese depicted worshippers in prayer, many holding palms, demonstrating their devotion to the Virgin of Charity, Cuba's patron saint. This event signals the beginning of the Easter Triduum and highlights the enduring popular religiosity in eastern Cuba, despite the challenges many communities face in publicly practicing their faith.
Beyond its religious significance, the Sanctuary of El Cobre stands as a beacon of unity and hope for millions of Cubans, both on the island and abroad. However, amid the sanctity of Palm Sunday, a group of young people was seen dancing to urban "reparto" music in front of the sanctuary, sparking outrage among believers and advocates of religious freedom.
A video circulating on social media showed several youths making provocative moves to the beat of lively music while being filmed on a mobile phone. While Palm Sunday was celebrated peacefully in Santiago de Cuba, the regime in the capital once again suppressed the Solemn Way of the Cross procession for the second consecutive year. The Christian procession, planned for this Sunday in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, was to proceed from Línea to Letrán.
Key Questions About Palm Sunday Celebrations in Cuba
What is the significance of Palm Sunday in Cuba?
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and is celebrated with great devotion in Cuba, especially at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity, a major pilgrimage site. It symbolizes the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and is a time for reflection and religious observance.
Why was the Way of the Cross procession canceled in Havana?
The Solemn Way of the Cross procession was censored by the regime in Havana for the second year in a row. The reasons for such censorship are not explicitly given, but it highlights the ongoing restrictions on religious expressions in public spaces in Cuba.