Remembering (blog by Stan) Cuban folks can’t help but remember history; they are surrounded by historical references at every turn. We live, for example on the Second of May Street, and shop at the Eighth of March convenient store. Siempre 26 (Forever the 26th) is plastered on many buildings and signs, a reference to July 26, 1953, the opening salvo of revolution. I am writing this blog on October 10, Independence Day, honoring the beginning of Cuba’s war for independence from Spain. Last month, on September 28, we found our streets filled with chalked messages celebrating the birthday of the CDR, Cuba’s highly controversial “neighborhood watch” program. That night, every block had a party, with loud music, food, and dominos. In a few days there will be another national holiday, Cuban Culture day, on October 20.
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