Listen at 3 different speeds

Havana marks 500th anniversary with special gala - 20th November 2019

Cuba's capital, Havana, celebrated its 500th anniversary with fireworks, a special gala, and people making wishes at the city's symbolic tree.

The official gala celebrated Havana's anniversary by restoring buildings and hosting exhibitions. President Miguel Diaz-Canel welcomed special guests on 16th November, marking 500 years since Spanish invaders had founded the city. That evening, crowds of locals watched a colourful fireworks display over the 17th century Morro Castle.

The celebrations, repairs, and exhibitions mark a new beginning. Many local Habaneros visited the city's tree, La Ceiba, important in Cuba's Santeria religion, with people making wishes for the future. A local professor had given the public access to the historic silk floss tree. They walked around it, touching it for good luck and requesting health, money and wellbeing.

Havana is celebrating 500 years of achievements. However, this ignores the current pressure of US sanctions and the economic problems felt by citizens. Havana had been ruled by Spain for four centuries before Cuba achieved independence. After this, Havana had been the location of US-backed governments. Cuba has had a socialist government for over 60 years and tense relations with the US government.

One significant event at Havana's 500-year anniversary was the first state visit by a Spanish monarch, King Felipe. He was met by Raul Castro, leader of the Communist Party.

President Diaz-Canel told guests at a special gathering: "Havana, a city of science, dance, cinema, literature, sporting events and an example of resistance in the face of neoliberalism, is also the city of dignity, the bastion of resistance against the unjust (U.S.) blockade."

Meanwhile, local chemical engineer, Irene Dominguez, asked the La Ceiba tree to protect the wellbeing of the entire city. "I was very excited, I yelled and was near tears," she exclaimed.