Friday, 30 December 2011 16:35
New Years in Cuba. Photo from captivatingcuba.com
The moment that all Cubans are waiting for is getting closer: December 31st, New Year’s Eve. We are preparing ourselves for a day full of traditions, speculations, resolutions and difficult calculations for the moment of change.
Spirituality has not disappeared and has come out its lethargy; the Virgin Lady of Charity is paraded through the streets, temples and parks look stunning. Cubans have high expectations for the next visit of Pope Benedict XVI, which will attract thousands of people, just like when Pope John Paul II (Rhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_II) visited Cuba in 1998.
Many will follow the popular rituals of walking around an apple with a suitcase (in hep that a journey to take place in the new year), throw a bucket of water at midnight, cremate old things, or at least show-off some new clothes, etc. We all wish to leave behind problems and worries, the bad vibes; and with faith, we hopefully want to improve our lives and the lives of our loved ones. We hope for progress, good health, and prosperity in the new year.
The roasted pork, wet yucca, black beans, traditional sweets, the music, and the festive atmosphere inevitably accompany us during the final minutes of of the change of the year. The Cubans, just like athletes, are waiting with anxiety for the start signal in order to take this new path lying ahead, congratulating each other and wishing everybody A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
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