Once again, the neglect and crisis affecting Cuban cemeteries make headlines with shocking images emerging from the Vicente García Cemetery in Las Tunas. "It's like a horror movie. On the path next to the cemetery, you can find everything from skulls to other skeletal remains of people who were once laid to rest in these niches. It's been happening for a while now. There's no respect left," commented a local resident, Yosmany Mayeta, who lives nearby.
The locals insist that both the authorities and the cemetery management are well aware of the situation. "Every day, children and adults walk by here. It's like a horror scene where you see human remains right on the street. It's distressing to see the walls with the niches broken. It's one disrespect after another. Even in death, you can't escape suffering," lamented the source.
The video footage reveals destroyed niches and bones scattered across the road. Commenters on the post expressed their shock at the disrespect towards the deceased and the lack of dignity afforded even after death. "You can't even rest in peace in this country," remarked one user, capturing the widespread feeling of helplessness.
Others mourned the dire state of the funeral system on the island, claiming "there's no dignified death, no proper wake, and certainly no decent burial. There's simply nothing." For many, these images are a stark representation of the social and structural decay present in all aspects of life in Cuba.
"This has become normalized. The decay is complete and visible everywhere: hospitals, schools, banks... the entire country is in ruins," another person decried, highlighting that the crisis extends far beyond cemeteries.
Some speculate that the desecration of niches may be linked to acts of vandalism or religious rituals. "The paleros are looking for bones for their ngangas," noted an internet user, while others believe it's merely a result of neglect and systemic indifference. "This has been happening for many years, and no one cares," concluded another commentator.
This incident not only highlights the lack of maintenance in cemeteries across the nation but also the authorities' indifference to the deterioration of spaces meant for eternal rest. The decline of cemeteries in Cuba is not an isolated incident. Similar situations have been reported in other parts of the country, like the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, where years ago, similar incidents necessitated the construction of a protective wall.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Cemeteries
What are the main issues affecting cemeteries in Cuba?
Cuban cemeteries are plagued by neglect, lack of maintenance, and disrespect towards the deceased. The structural decay in these areas reflects broader social and infrastructural issues across the country.
How do local residents feel about the situation?
Residents are deeply disturbed by the sight of human remains in public areas and feel that there's a profound lack of respect and dignity for the dead. They are frustrated by the authorities' indifference to the crisis.
Are there any solutions being proposed or implemented?
While some cemeteries, like Santa Ifigenia in Santiago de Cuba, have attempted to address the issue by building protective walls, there is no widespread effort or solution currently being implemented to tackle the root causes of the problem.