Parade in Holguin to Defend Cuba's Sovereignty (+ Photos)

Under the slogan “The Homeland Must Be Defended,” more than 200,000 residents of Holguin, organized into 15 unions, reaffirmed their commitment to the homeland, peace, and workers’ unity during the May Day parade.

The parade was led by the Food and Fishing Industry Union and presided over by the Vice President of the Republic of Cuba, Salvador Valdés Mesa. The Deputy Prime Minister, Inés María Chapman. Also the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Holguin, Joel Queipo Ruíz. Major General Eugenio Armando Ravilero Aguilera, head of the Eastern Army. And Manuel Hernández Aguilera, governor of the province.

Parade in Holguin to Defend Cuba’s Sovereignty (+ Photos) 0 — May Day Parade, Holguin
Photo: Miguel David Bruzón /Radio Angulo

Gathered in the Plaza de la Revolución Mayor General Calixto García Íñiguez. The people of Holguin reiterated their resistance against the U.S. blockade. And paid tribute to leader Fidel Castro on the centennial of his birth.

Parade in Holguin to Defend Cuba’s Sovereignty (+ Photos) 1 — Holguin Workers, May 1st
Photo: Miguel David Bruzón /Radio Angulo

Unions, students, and veterans marched with banners in support of food production. And the search for energy solutions necessary for Cuba’s development.

Parade in Holguin to Defend Cuba’s Sovereignty (+ Photos) 2 — Marching in Holguin in Defense of Cuban Sovereignty
Photo: Miguel David Bruzón /Radio Angulo

Prior to this march, events were held to promote production in this northeastern region. To defend national sovereignty, and strongly condemn the imperialist sanctions against Cuba.

In the May Day parade, the large unions included agricultural, forestry, and tobacco workers, public administration employees, and civilian defense workers, as well as the health and education unions.