If you have been experiencing the cold in Vancouver this February, you may have wished you were enjoying the warmth of Cuba! Cuba is one of the top travel destinations for people in Canada, with over 1 million tourists every year. Beyond Cuba’s beautiful beaches and tropical temperatures, visitors to Cuba get a glimpse of the Cuban revolution in daily life. This could be noticing that Cuban children are receiving a quality universal education, that Cuban people have a renowned free healthcare system keeping them healthy, and that Cuban people are engaged and active in the political process of their country from within their communities and organizations. Many people come back from Cuba curious to know more about the country, and Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) film and cultural nights are great opportunity for people to learn about Cuba here in Vancouver!
On February 18, just a few days after Valentines Day, VCSC organized a Cuban film and cultural night featuring the classic Cuban film “Clandestinos”. The event, held at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House in Vancouver, started out with attendees enjoying delicious Cuban caldosa soup and croquettes. Tamara Hansen, coordinator of VCSC, then introduced musicians Beto and Terrel who treated the audience to beautiful original music on the flute and guitar, reflecting the struggles for justice across Latin America. Following the live music was the Cuban film “Clandestinos” which is about the romance between two young revolutionaries in the urban underground, fighting against the U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. The film captures both the humor and sweetness of love, and the sacrifices made by Cuban revolutionaries in the fight against the brutal Batista dictatorship. The classic 1987 film also highlights the important and heroic role women had in the Cuban revolution.
The event wrapped up with announcements for upcoming events in solidarity with Cuba, including a cultural evening celebrating International Women’s Day and the revolutionary women of Cuba and Venezuela. For information on Cuba solidarity actions and events in Vancouver visit www.vancubasolidarity.com or follow Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba on Facebook and Twitter @VanCuba_VCSC
Follow Janine Solanki on Twitter: @janinesolanki
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