This week in Cuba
Cuba's state media highlighted a new domestic trade policy to streamline wholesale and retail activities and the development of an advanced ultrasonic bone generator by Icimaf scientists. The nation also saw cultural events like Vivartes 23 in Havana, while its women's baseball team exited the World Cup and pentathlete Juan Pablo Velázquez finished his World Championship campaign. Internationally, Cuba extended condolences to several nations and welcomed a Puerto Rican solidarity delegate.
About Cuba
Cuba, a vibrant Caribbean island nation, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, revolutionary history, and distinctive architecture. Its unique one-party socialist system and enduring international dynamics profoundly shape its economy and global standing, influencing the tightly controlled domestic news landscape.
Visiting Cuba
Media landscape
All media in Cuba is state-controlled, serving to promote government policies and socialist values. Independent journalism is illegal, and practitioners face imprisonment and extensive censorship, leading to a highly restricted information environment.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Cuba, seek out alternative perspectives from independent digital media, often published by exile groups, in addition to state-controlled sources.
Sources we track 1
Five Paulo Freire Lessons for Educators, and Beyond
For teachers and students facing a difficult new school year in Cuba, Paulo Freire’s ideas are presented as practical tools for education and resistance. The Brazilian pedagogue treated teaching not o…
Cuba exits Women's Baseball World Cup after group stage losses
Cuba's journey in the Women's Baseball World Cup has come to an end following their elimination in the group stage. The tournament, held in Tainan, Taiwan, saw the Cuban team finish their participatio…
Cuba enacts new trade policy to streamline wholesale and retail activities
Cuba has rolled out a comprehensive new domestic trade policy designed to modernize and streamline its wholesale and retail sectors. Published in the Official Gazette, the updated regulations will tak…
Israel Builds 'Special Unit' for Executing Palestinians, Complete with Spectator Booths
In a move drawing widespread condemnation, Israel is reportedly constructing a 'specialized unit' designated for the execution of Palestinians, complete with spectator booths. The announcement, made b…
Cuban pentathlete Velázquez finishes World Championship campaign
Cuban pentathlete Juan Pablo Velázquez concluded his run in the men's individual event at the 2026 Modern Pentathlon World Championship held in Guiyang, China. He finished 26th in Group B with 1,383 p…
Puerto Rican solidarity delegate returns to Cuba after 40 years
After a 40-year absence, Herminia Cruz has returned to Cuba, bringing with her a powerful message of solidarity and a deep impression of the island's changes. As part of the 31st contingent of the Lat…
Cuban institute develops advanced ultrasonic bone generator
Scientists at Cuba's Institute of Cybernetics, Mathematics, and Physics (Icimaf) have achieved a significant milestone with the development of Boneconsol, an advanced medium-power ultrasonic generator…
Cuba extends condolences to China, Nepal, Algeria after natural disasters
Cuba has extended its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and peoples of China, Nepal, and Algeria in response to devastating natural disasters that have struck these nations. Foreig…
Iran alleges U.S., Israel targeted universities, research centers
Iran claims that recent attacks, attributed to the United States and Israel, have deliberately targeted educational and research institutions, including universities and a primary school. The article …
Cuban Radio celebrates 104 years with awards and recognition
Radio Cubana marked its 104th anniversary on August 22, recalling its inaugural broadcast on that date in 1922. The first transmission, originating from Station 2LC in Havana and managed by the Casas …
Daniel Martínez shines with top honors at Mexico volleyball cup
Cuban volleyball player Daniel Martínez has received accolades as the Best Opposite and Top Scorer at the recent Pan American Cup held in Morelos, Mexico. These distinctions serve as a significant rec…
Lorca: A Lightning Bolt That Does Not Cease, 90 Years On
Ninety years after his assassination, the spirit of Federico García Lorca continues to resonate powerfully in Cuba. The author reflects on the poet's enduring legacy, recalling his connection to the i…
Fidel Castro's legacy will not be overcome by U.S. government's hate, says Cuban minister
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla asserted that Fidel Castro's enduring legacy will triumph over any animosity from U.S. officials and opportunistic elements. "The greatness and imprint …
Cuban Parliament Urges Global Defense of Peace and Sovereignty
Cuba's Parliament has issued a strong call for a unified global front in defending peace and national sovereignty. The appeal, made during an international forum, emphasizes the critical role of parli…
Virgilio López Lemus awarded Cuba's National Literature Prize
The 34th Havana International Book Fair celebrated Cuban literary figure Virgilio López Lemus, awarding him the National Literature Prize 2025. The unanimous decision recognized his distinguished care…
Marilyn Bobes Honored at Havana Book Fair for Artistic Depth and Humanity
The 34th Havana International Book Fair is honoring writer, poet, narrator, and journalist Marilyn Bobes, alongside researcher José Bell Lara. At a tribute colloquium, writer and editor Olga Marta Pér…
Díaz-Canel Denounces U.S. Aggression During Meeting with Chinese Communist Party Official
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel held a significant meeting with Liu Haixing, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and head of its International Department. The encounter…
Sarría's Gold Medal Secures Cuba's Final Triumph at Games
Cuban weightlifter Marifélix Sarría clinched the gold medal in the women's over 86-kilogram clean and jerk event at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. Her successful lift of 15…
Cuba faces widespread electricity outages due to generation deficit
Cuba's electricity service is facing severe disruptions, with a deficit in generation capacity affecting the entire country. On Friday, the service was impacted for 24 hours, and this situation contin…
Exhibition to Mark Fidel Castro's Centenary in Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos province is preparing to host a photographic exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth. The exhibition, titled "Fidel es Fidel," is set to open on August 13 at …
Official Currency Exchange Rate in Cuba
This entry from Granma, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, serves as a notice for the official currency exchange rates. Dated August 8, 2026, it provides t…
Cuba claims women's handball gold at Central American Games
Cuba's women's handball team seized the gold medal at the Santo Domingo-2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, decisively defeating the Dominican Republic 35-17. The victory avenged a narrow loss …
Rafael Cueto: The silent architect of Trio Matamoros' sound
Rafael Cueto, the guitarist for the iconic Cuban ensemble Trio Matamoros, was the silent architect behind the group's signature sound, which captivated audiences worldwide. Though not the leader or le…
Cuba offers new tax benefits to promote renewable energy investment
Cuba is implementing new fiscal incentives to boost the adoption of renewable energy sources, as detailed in recent government publications. The Ministry of Finance and Prices issued Resolutions 179 a…
Marileidy Paulino's record-breaking 400m win amid rain delights Dominican crowd
Amidst a torrential downpour, Dominican Republic's Marileidy Paulino delivered a stunning performance to win the 400 meters at the Central American and Caribbean Games, clocking a new Games record of …
Poul Anderson: Sci-Fi Master Who Merged Time Travel with History
Twenty-five years after his passing on July 31, Poul Anderson is being remembered as one of science fiction's most beloved and prolific authors. Anderson distinguished himself by weaving his deep pass…
Cuba blanks Puerto Rico, secures Super Round ticket
The Cuban national baseball team remains undefeated in the Dominican Republic, clinching a mathematically secured spot in the Super Round of the Caribbean Series with a decisive 4-0 victory over Puert…
Marlies Mejías Conquers Road Race in Santo Domingo, Claims 10th Gold
Marlies Mejías has etched her name in history by winning the road cycling race at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. The Cuban cyclist from Artemisa demonstrated exceptiona…
Théâtre du Soleil revisits 20th-century power struggles in 'Here are the Dragons'
In the Parisian theater district of La Cartoucherie, the Théâtre du Soleil, under the direction of its founder Ariane Mnouchkine, has unveiled its latest production, "Ici sont les Dragons" (Here are t…
New Decree 164 expands salary autonomy for state enterprises
Cuba's state-owned enterprises will now have greater control over how they pay their workers, thanks to a new decree that links salaries directly to economic and financial performance. Decree 164, pub…
Blockade is a chronic illness for Cubans, article argues
For Cubans, the U.S. blockade is not merely a policy but a pervasive condition, akin to a chronic illness that shapes every facet of life. It follows them like a shadow, impacting their daily existenc…
Cuba's Parliament Ratifies Decrees, Approves New Labor Code
Cuba's National Assembly has ratified decrees and agreements issued by the Council of State, solidifying legal frameworks for international relations and foreign investment. The Assembly approved six …
Italy sends vital medical aid to Cuba, denouncing U.S. blockade
A significant shipment of medical supplies and vital equipment has been dispatched to Cuba from Italy, marking a continuation of a collaboration that began eighteen months ago. The joint effort involv…
Friends climb Bulgarian mountain in support of Cuba
In Bulgaria, approximately 30 individuals gathered to ascend Mount Vitosha, the nation's highest peak, in a show of solidarity with Cuba. This climb honored the 72nd anniversary of the Moncada barrack…
Global hunger and paradoxes: US approves record military budget amid widespread starvation
The United States Congress has authorized a staggering $1.15 trillion military budget, a move that starkly contrasts with the United Nations' alarming report that 645 million people globally face hung…
Taymara Oropesa reaches the pinnacle of Central American badminton
Taymara Oropesa has claimed the women's singles badminton gold medal at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Cuba's number one player achieving a hard-fought victory over Mex…
Marlon Herrera wins judo gold in nine seconds, dedicates victory to late grandmother
Marlon Herrera secured a gold medal in the 73-kilogram judo category at the Central American and Caribbean Games with a swift victory, concluding the final in just nine seconds. The young Cuban athlet…
International messages hail Cuba's resistance on National Rebellion Day
International leaders and solidarity groups have sent messages of admiration and respect to Cuba, commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the Moncada Barracks attack, a pivotal event in the Cuban Revolu…
Cuba's Independence: A Shadow of U.S. Influence
Cuba's struggle for true independence after the Spanish-American War is portrayed as a continuous battle against foreign influence and internal political subservience. The article argues that despite …
Memory and homeland in Maisí, as in Moncada
In Maisí, Guantánamo, a dual focus on national defense preparations and the implementation of 176 economic and social transformations was highlighted. Yoel Pérez García, the First Secretary of the Par…
Urban Eden: Cuban Couple Cultivates National Farming Model on 400 Square Meters
In Nuevo Manzanillo, Granma, the La Rosita Local Development Project has become a national benchmark for urban and suburban agriculture, proving that food sovereignty can flourish in the heart of a ci…
Writer Humberto Fuentes: 'Literature is the only thing that can save me'
Humberto Fuentes, a writer whose work "Cubacabana" recently earned him the Celestino de cuento award, views his literature as "young and carefree." The award-winning book delves into universal themes …
New health professionals graduate from Havana University amid challenges
Despite significant challenges, including energy shortages, transportation difficulties, and a lack of essential supplies, the University of Medical Sciences of Havana has graduated 1,899 new health p…
Cuba, Allies Denounce U.S. 'Terrorism' Label as Provocation
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has denounced a U.S. State Department report labeling Cuba a terrorist state as "neo-McCarthyism" and a pretext for aggression. He stated the report, "Cuba,…
The Aggressor's Dead
In April 2026, at least 70 US war veterans were arrested near the Capitol in Washington, protesting the recent US military aggression against Iran. Many veterans, having served in the Middle East, rec…
Cuban Choral Music: Tradition and Vitality
Cuban choral music boasts a rich and enduring tradition, with roots stretching back to the colonial period and its close ties to religious education. By the 19th century, music academies flourished ac…
Cuba and Vietnam share rice production expertise
In Yara, Granma, a collaboration between Cuba and Vietnam is yielding concrete results in rice production. The "TB AGRI Conectando Vietnam con Cuba" project, a partnership with Vietnam's Thai Binh Inv…
Ponce 1993: Pride in friendship forged through sports
Cuba secured first place at the 1993 Central American and Caribbean Games in Ponce, Puerto Rico, an event that nearly didn't happen for the Cuban delegation due to U.S. restrictions. The U.S. governme…
Luis García Montero's personal anthology explores word, age, and love in Cuba
Luis García Montero, a significant voice in contemporary Spanish poetry and director of the Cervantes Institute since 2018, recently presented his personal anthology in Cuba. The collection, titled "L…
Cuban water polo teams secure first wins at Santo Domingo Games
The Cuban water polo teams delivered early successes for their delegation at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. Both the women's and men's squads achieved their initial vic…
Bureaucrat's Death: Still Relevant 60 Years Later
Sixty years after its release, Tomás Gutiérrez Alea's "The Death of a Bureaucrat" continues to resonate, its satirical critique of bureaucracy as relevant as ever. The film's central character, Juanch…
Marco Rubio's 'Ideal Frame' for Demonizing Cuba
The article vehemently criticizes U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, accusing him of employing "macabre" tactics aimed at isolating and destabilizing Cuba. Beyond the existing oil blockade, currency source str…
Childhood and AI: A Cognitive Download?
The uncritical and widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) by children and adolescents poses a significant risk to their cognitive development, potentially hindering their ability to think logi…
Cuba Secures Nations League Spot Despite Performance Shortcomings
Cuba's men's volleyball team achieved its primary goal of remaining in the 2027 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) but fell short of advancing to the quarterfinals or securing a top-12 world ranking. The…
Spain Wins Second World Cup Title Against Argentina
Spain clinched their second World Cup title, defeating Argentina 1-0 in a tightly contested final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match was a defensive battle, characterized by few clear-cut cha…
Cuban doctors' unwavering global humanitarianism
In 2014, a Spanish expert trained Cuban health specialists in handwashing in Sierra Leone amidst the Ebola epidemic. Facing an unknown and highly contagious disease, Cuban medical professionals, known…
Lana del Rey's poetry collection reflects sensitive, authentic spirit
Lana del Rey's 41st birthday on June 21 offers a moment to revisit "Violet bent backwards over the grass," her intimate poetry collection first published in 2020. The book, released in the US by Simon…
Argentina Rallies to Defeat Egypt 3-2 in Dramatic Football Match
Argentina demonstrated its characteristic resilience by overcoming a deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling match. The game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, saw Egypt take an early lead …
Cuba Blames U.S. Blockade for Latest National Power Grid Disconnection
Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) has suffered another disconnection, an event the country's foreign minister attributes directly to the escalating U.S. blockade. Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated o…
Book on light in Cuban poetry presented in Havana
A valuable volume exploring the significance of light in Cuban poetry, "El rango de la luz en la poesía cubana," by the late Ivette Fuentes, was recently presented at the Institute of Literature and L…
Cuba announces preliminary baseball roster for Central American Games
Cuba has revealed a preliminary 30-player roster for the upcoming baseball tournament at the Central American and Caribbean Games, with the final selection to be trimmed to 24 players before the team …
Global artists, intellectuals sign petition against U.S. blockade of Cuba
A global chorus of over 8,800 intellectuals and artists is raising their voices in solidarity with Cuba, condemning the enduring U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade. This widespread supp…
50 Years of ISA: Echoes and Multiplications in Cuban Art
Cuba's Higher Institute of Art (ISA) marks its 50th anniversary this July, having been founded in 1976. Initially established as a prelude to the September academic year, its creation was spearheaded …
International Olympic Committee's Decision on Russian Athletes Sparks Debate
The International Olympic Committee's Executive Commission has taken a step toward reintegrating Russian athletes, provisionally lifting the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. This decision …
Mike Waltz's Political Maneuvers After White House Exit
Mike Waltz's tenure in the White House concluded in May 2025, following internal reprimands related to perceived missteps as National Security Advisor. His name was not favored for presidential consid…
Vittorio de Sica: 125 years of capturing the soul on screen
Vittorio de Sica, the influential Italian filmmaker, would have turned 125 this year, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that continues to defy the notion that film cannot portray inner emotional state…
Havana's 1982 Games: A Triumph of Organization and Dominance
In 1982, when the XIV Central American and Caribbean Games faced potential collapse after Puerto Rico's Mayagüez withdrew due to a lack of government support, Cuba stepped in to host. With just over a…
Middle East: Smuggling, Oil, Sky, and Power (Part III)
Following World War II, the United States emerged as a dominant global power, significantly shaping the region then termed the Middle East. Under the banner of modernity, the U.S. actively worked agai…
Cuban Teen Crowned Chess Champion, Values Learning From Defeat
César Raúl González Xiqué, a 16-year-old from Cuba, has claimed the U-20 Central America and Caribbean chess titles in both rapid and blitz formats. Despite his success, González maintains a reserved …
Cuban medical brigade concludes 27-year mission in Guatemala
A Cuban medical brigade returned to Havana on Tuesday after 27 years of service in Guatemala, working in the country's most neglected regions. The first group of professionals arrived at José Martí In…
Red card to child labor: Progress stalls as millions remain trapped in work
Despite global promises to eradicate child labor, the reality remains stark, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where nearly two-thirds of the child population, an estimated 87 million, are forced to …
Criminal Insistence: US airstrikes resume on Iran days after peace deal
Despite a recent, heavily publicized peace memorandum between the United States and Iran, hostilities have rapidly resurfaced, casting a shadow over hopes for dialogue. Just days after the agreement, …
Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 1,430
The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have claimed 1,430 lives and left 3,238 people injured, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly. The trage…
José Massip: A Cultured Luminary and Guardian of Historical Memory in Cuban Cinema
José Massip, a legendary name in Cuban cinema, is being honored for his significant contributions to the national screen. As a founder of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (Icaic…
June 22, 1898: Open Wounds in the Neocolony
On June 22, 1898, U.S. forces landed at Daiquirí on the coast of Santiago de Cuba. Historian Eduardo Torres Cuevas describes this moment as one that "clouded the dreams" of Cuban independence. The arr…
Cuban chess player Renier González returns home for Capablanca tournament after 23 years
Renier González, who departed Cuba in 1999, has returned to compete on the island after a 23-year absence, fulfilling a long-held dream. His spiritual connection to his homeland never wavered, and he …
Vietnam and Cuba strengthen economic ties with minister's visit to Mariel Zone
Le Hoasi Trung, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee and its foreign minister, visited Cuba's Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) on Sunday. The visit und…
New Provincial Popular Tribunal opens in Guantánamo
Guantánamo's Mariana Grajales Plaza now boasts a new, majestic building: the Provincial Popular Tribunal (TPP). This three-level, 3,744 m2 structure, harmoniously integrated with the Maceo monument, s…
Juan Marrero: A Pillar of Cuban Journalism History
Juan Marrero González, a towering figure in Cuban journalism and its history, passed away a decade ago on June 18. His most celebrated work, "Dos siglos de periodismo en Cuba. Momentos, hechos y rostr…
Cuba warns of US aggression, citing economic pressure and intervention tactics
Cuba's leadership is openly acknowledging the risk of a US military invasion, viewing it as a potential outcome of escalating economic pressure. The government asserts that attempts to destabilize the…
Refugee's harrowing journey highlights global displacement crisis
Mahamat Daoud's childhood was marked by the sounds of bombs and the terror in the eyes of fellow refugees as he fled his native Darfur, Sudan. At just six years old, he experienced his first displacem…
Cuban film critic Castillo receives National Film Award after lifelong dedication
Luciano Castillo's life has been inextricably linked to cinema, a passion ignited at age eight by a German film in his native Camagüey. This early fascination evolved into a lifelong dedication, culmi…
Cuba advances cancer vaccine development amid U.S. sanctions
Cuba is advancing the development of a novel therapeutic cancer vaccine candidate, known as HeberSavax, demonstrating scientific progress even amidst stringent U.S. sanctions. Foreign Minister Bruno R…
The Host: Bong Joon-ho's Delightful Genre Bender
Bong Joon-ho's "The Host" is a formidable effort to recapture the essence of 1950s B-movie horror and science fiction, complete with their potent political allegories. The film, from the creator of "M…
Cuban Woman, 107, Recalls Life in Guantánamo and Post-Revolution Opportunities
María Sosa, at 107 years old, possesses a remarkable lucidity as she recounts her life, offering a vivid tapestry of experiences from Guantánamo, Cuba. Born on June 13, 1919, she is the youngest of fi…
Gaudí's Sagrada Familia Tops World's Tallest Church List as Spain Declares 'Gaudí Year'
Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia has achieved a long-awaited milestone, with the inauguration of its Jesus Christ tower marking it as the world's tallest church. Pope Leo XIV presided over a Mass on…
Euphoria's Disconcerting End to a Brilliant Series
The final season of HBO's "Euphoria" has ended, leaving fans to reflect on the journey of Rue Bennett and her chaotic circle of friends. The series, which began in 2019 and returned after a four-year …
Global Screen, Shifting Rules: Who's Changing the Game?
A shift is underway in global cinema, moving beyond the confines of traditional Hollywood narratives and formats. The article highlights a growing audience appetite for films that demand more from the…
Miguel Coyula Llaguno: Integrity and Stature
Miguel Coyula Llaguno, born in Regla on June 11, 1876, is commemorated as a figure of rectitude and decency, whose life was dedicated to Cuba's independence and integrity. His patriotism was not just …
Refining National Crude Oil: A Difficult Path Yielding Results
The Hermanos Díaz refinery in Santiago de Cuba has achieved a significant technological feat by successfully adapting to process heavy crude oil, a move that has revitalized its operations after a per…
Cuba to Manufacture New Batch of Ecomóviles in Sancti Spíritus
Sancti Spíritus is set to resume the production of Ecomóviles, small, locally-made microbuses designed to ease passenger transport challenges. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of T…
Israel: A Tree That Grew Crooked
The article frames the creation of Israel as intrinsically linked to the persecution of Jews in Europe after World War II, with the United Nations' premise leading them to Palestinian land. However, i…
The Doomsday Clock: A Chronicle on the Banality of Apocalypse
The Doomsday Clock now stands at 85 seconds to midnight, a stark warning of global peril that, paradoxically, seems to be met with a chilling normalization of existential threats. The article paints a…
Santa Lucía: Village solutions
In Santa Lucía, a community in Cuba's Cabaiguán municipality, residents have taken matters into their own hands to restore vital communication services. Facing persistent energy shortages and communic…
Olga Benario Prestes: A Revolutionary's Life of Love and Struggle
The life of Olga Benario Prestes, a German-Jewish communist and revolutionary, is brought into sharp focus, echoing the emotional impact of the 2004 Brazilian film 'Olga.' The narrative explores her j…
Four new draft laws available for public review
Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power has published four significant draft laws online, inviting public participation in the legislative process. The proposed bills address key areas of national …
Miike's 'Harakiri' Explodes Samurai Ideology
Takashi Miike, known for his provocative and violent films, offers a surprisingly measured and analytical take on the samurai in his 2011 film "Harakiri." This adaptation of Yasuhiko Takiguchi's novel…
Global Problems Worsen Access to Stable, Dignified Housing
A global housing crisis is deepening, driven by a confluence of factors including escalating property prices, inadequate urban development, natural disasters, and armed conflicts, according to United …
Cuba's CTC Congress final sessions set for June with austerity focus
The 22nd Congress of the Workers' Central Union of Cuba (CTC) will conclude its final sessions on June 26 and 27, adopting a principle of "maximum austerity" and extensive use of virtual meetings. Osn…
British MPs and union leaders demand end to US aggression against Cuba
A group of British lawmakers and union leaders gathered outside the UK Parliament on June 3, 2026, to condemn the Trump administration's "escalation of hostilities" against Cuba. They demanded an end …