In a display of ostensible celebration, the Municipal Administration Council of Plaza de la Revolución shared photos on Sunday of a "clean-up" effort at Colón Cemetery. This initiative was publicized as a commemorative act for the 506th anniversary of the founding of San Cristóbal de La Habana.
Through a post on Facebook, local authorities portrayed the cemetery cleanup in a triumphant tone, describing it as an act of "loyalty" to the capital and a "tribute" to the city. They claimed that fulfilling daily duties is the best homage one could offer.
Nevertheless, this official message starkly contrasts with Havana's dire reality, marked by a sanitary crisis, neglect, and decay. Residents have long complained about the collapsed waste collection system, the spread of disease-carrying insects, lack of state resources, and the government's failure to provide basic services.
Political Showmanship or Genuine Effort?
The shared images depict state workers, CDR members, PCC officials, and municipal leaders posing while sweeping leaves and collecting trash. These photos resemble political propaganda rather than serious urban maintenance efforts.
Authorities claim this cleanup is a regular "weekend" activity, but the frequent complaints from locals suggest otherwise. Many streets are littered with garbage, overflowing sewers, heaps of uncollected waste for weeks, and outbreaks of diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
An Iconic Cemetery in Dire Straits
Despite Colón Cemetery's status as one of Havana's heritage jewels, it suffers from broken internal roads, neglected and damaged mausoleums, overgrown vegetation, and piled-up debris. Heritage experts have repeatedly highlighted the lack of resources, personnel, and a real conservation plan for the cemetery, noting it only receives attention when used as a temporary showcase for regime propaganda.
Reality vs. State Narratives
While Havana faces power outages, water shortages, accumulated waste, and a rising tide of diseases, authorities publicly celebrate the isolated cleaning of a site that should be maintained year-round. The stark contrast between the official narrative — "brave and committed" — and the city's reality doesn't go unnoticed by Cubans, who see such announcements as another governmental attempt to project normalcy amidst widespread deterioration.
Understanding the Current State of Havana
What is the significance of Colón Cemetery?
Colón Cemetery is a significant cultural heritage site in Havana, known for its historical and architectural value. It is one of the most important cemeteries in Latin America.
Why are residents critical of the cleanup efforts?
Residents criticize the cleanup as mere propaganda since it contrasts with the broader neglect and sanitation crises affecting Havana, which are not being addressed adequately.
How does this cleanup relate to Havana's broader issues?
The cleanup is seen as a superficial action that fails to address the systemic issues like waste management, infrastructure decay, and public health challenges that plague Havana.