This week in Cuba
Cuba's state media, Granma, reported on the nation's legislative activities, including the ratification of decrees and the approval of a new labor code, alongside a decree expanding salary autonomy for state enterprises. The media also highlighted Cuba's continued calls for the United States to end its punitive policies, describing the U.S. blockade as a "chronic illness" affecting all aspects of life. Additionally, Cuban athletes achieved success, with the baseball team securing a spot in the Caribbean Series Super Round and Marlies Mejías winning a road cycling race.
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
Virgilio López Lemus awarded Cuba's National Literature Prize
- Writer, poet, essayist, and translator Virgilio López Lemus received the National Literature Prize 2025 at the Havana International Book Fair. - The award recognized his excellent work in lyric poet…
Marilyn Bobes Honored at Havana Book Fair for Artistic Depth and Humanity
- Writer and editor Olga Marta Pérez praised Marilyn Bobes's short story "Alguien tiene que llorar" for its aesthetic values and humanity. - Bobes, a poet, narrator, and journalist, is being honored a…
Díaz-Canel Denounces U.S. Aggression During Meeting with Chinese Communist Party Official
- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel met with Liu Haixing, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. - Díaz-Canel denounced the U.S. "multidimensional war" against Cuba, citing…
Sarría's Gold Medal Secures Cuba's Final Triumph at Games
- Marifélix Sarría of Cuba won gold in the women's weightlifting +86kg category's clean and jerk at the Central American and Caribbean Games. - Sarría's victory secured Cuba's 51st and final gold meda…
Cuba faces widespread electricity outages due to generation deficit
- Cuba is experiencing significant electricity service disruptions due to a deficit in generation capacity. - Several thermal power units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. - The pre…
Exhibition to Mark Fidel Castro's Centenary in Cienfuegos
- An exhibition honoring Fidel Castro's connection to Cienfuegos province will open on August 13, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. - The exhibition, titled "Fidel es Fidel," will feature 26…
Official Currency Exchange Rate in Cuba
- This article provides the official exchange rate for currencies in Cuba as of August 8, 2026. - It is published by Granma, the official organ of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.…
Rafael Cueto: The silent architect of Trio Matamoros' sound
- Rafael Cueto, a guitarist for the legendary Cuban trio Matamoros, played a crucial role in defining the group's unique sound. - Cueto developed a distinctive rhythmic model, a 'tumbao', by combining…
Cuba claims women's handball gold at Central American Games
- Cuba's women's handball team won the gold medal at the Santo Domingo-2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. - They defeated the Dominican Republic 35-17 in a dominant performance, reversing a pr…
Cuba offers new tax benefits to promote renewable energy investment
- Cuba has introduced new fiscal benefits to encourage investment in renewable energy sources. - The Ministry of Finance and Prices published Resolutions 179 and 180 to support this initiative. - Thes…
Marileidy Paulino's record-breaking 400m win amid rain delights Dominican crowd
- Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic won the 400 meters at the Central American and Caribbean Games with a record time of 48.94 seconds. - The victory occurred amidst heavy rain, with thousan…
Cuban teen wins Ibero-American informatics silver medal, qualifies for Uzbekistan competition
- A 17-year-old student from Bayamo won a silver medal at an Ibero-American informatics competition. - The student also qualified for a competition in Uzbekistan. - This achievement highlights the fut…
New book examines Fidel Castro's legacy in Cuban publishing and promotion of reading
- A new book explores Fidel Castro's role in promoting reading and the Cuban publishing industry. - The volume, titled "Fidel and the Cuban Publishing Industry: A Revolution from Letters," focuses on …
Poul Anderson: Sci-Fi Master Who Merged Time Travel with History
- Poul Anderson, a prolific science fiction writer, is remembered 25 years after his death for his innovative exploration of time travel paradoxes. - Anderson integrated his passion for history into h…
Cuba blanks Puerto Rico, secures Super Round ticket
- Cuba's baseball team defeated Puerto Rico 4-0, securing a spot in the Caribbean Series Super Round. - Yasiel González hit a solo home run in the second inning, and Andrys Pérez drove in a run in the…
Marlies Mejías Conquers Road Race in Santo Domingo, Claims 10th Gold
- Marlies Mejías won the road cycling race at the Santo Domingo-2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. - She secured Cuba's 20th gold medal of the games and her 10th career gold in this event. - M…
Théâtre du Soleil revisits 20th-century power struggles in 'Here are the Dragons'
- The Théâtre du Soleil, led by Ariane Mnouchkine, presents "Ici sont les Dragons," a play recreating the period between 1918 and 1933. - The production explores the historical movements and power str…
Blockade is a chronic illness for Cubans, article argues
- Cubans describe the U.S. blockade as a chronic illness affecting all aspects of life, regardless of personal circumstances or location. - The article questions who is responsible for the severe shor…
New Decree 164 expands salary autonomy for state enterprises
- Cuba has issued Decree 164, expanding salary autonomy for state-owned enterprises to link pay with economic and financial results. - The new decree eliminates the need for prior authorization to imp…
Cuba asks U.S. to stop punishing the island's people
- Cuba's Foreign Ministry urges the United States to cease its punitive policies against the island nation. - The ministry stated that Cuba seeks only to be left in peace and for the U.S. to halt what…
Cuba's Parliament Ratifies Decrees, Approves New Labor Code
- Cuba's National Assembly ratified decrees and agreements approved by the Council of State between December 2025 and July 2026, including six decrees and 91 agreements on international treaties, amba…
Italy sends vital medical aid to Cuba, denouncing U.S. blockade
- A container filled with vital medical supplies and equipment has been sent to Cuba from Italy, thanks to a collaboration between ASL Roma 1, the Gianni Miná Foundation, and ANAIC. - The shipment inc…
Friends climb Bulgarian mountain in support of Cuba
- Around 30 friends of Cuba in Bulgaria climbed the highest peak of Mount Vitosha to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Moncada barracks attack and the 100th birthday of Fidel Castro. - The climb, …
Global hunger and paradoxes: US approves record military budget amid widespread starvation
- The U.S. Congress approved a record $1.15 trillion military budget, while the UN reports 645 million people worldwide suffer from hunger. - The military budget includes funds for joint U.S.-Israel m…
Taymara Oropesa reaches the pinnacle of Central American badminton
- Cuban badminton player Taymara Oropesa won the women's singles gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games. - She defeated Mexico's Vanesa García in a comeback match, winning 15-21, 22-20…
Marlon Herrera wins judo gold in nine seconds, dedicates victory to late grandmother
- Marlon Herrera won a gold medal in judo at the Central American and Caribbean Games in nine seconds. - He dedicated his victory to his deceased grandmother, his mother, father, family, and the Cuban…
International messages hail Cuba's resistance on National Rebellion Day
- Vietnam, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Italy sent messages of congratulations and solidarity to Cuba on the anniversary of the Moncada Barracks attack. - The messages highlighted Cuba's resistance, …
Three killed in separate road incidents across Ireland
- Three people died in separate road incidents across Ireland on Sunday. - An e-scooter driver in Co Meath, a teenager in Co Tipperary, and a passenger in Co Clare were killed. - Gardaí are appealing …
Cuba's Independence: A Shadow of U.S. Influence
- The article critiques Cuba's post-revolution history, arguing that U.S. influence and internal political dynamics prevented genuine independence after the Spanish-American War. - It highlights how f…
Memory and homeland in Maisí, as in Moncada
- Officials in Maisí, Guantánamo, emphasized preparations for national defense and 176 economic and social transformations. - The call to action came from Yoel Pérez García, First Secretary of the Par…
Urban Eden: Cuban Couple Cultivates National Farming Model on 400 Square Meters
- A Cuban couple transformed a 400-square-meter urban plot into a national model for urban and suburban agriculture. - The project, La Rosita, integrates nearly 19 agricultural subprograms, including …
Writer Humberto Fuentes: 'Literature is the only thing that can save me'
- Writer Humberto Fuentes received the Celestino de cuento award for his book "Cubacabana," which explores universal conflicts through local narratives. - Fuentes described his literature as "young an…
Cuban labor activities to recess July 25-27 for Moncada Barracks anniversary
- Labor activities in Cuba will be suspended on July 25, 26, and 27, 2026. - The suspension is due to the commemoration of the Moncada Barracks attack anniversary. - The decree clarifies that the July…
New health professionals graduate from Havana University amid challenges
- A new class of 1,899 health professionals graduated from the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Cuba. - The graduates, including doctors, dentists, nurses, and health technologists, persevere…
Cuba, Allies Denounce U.S. 'Terrorism' Label as Provocation
- Cuba's government and international allies condemn a U.S. State Department report that labels Cuba a terrorist state. - Critics, including a U.S. congresswoman and Cuban-American groups, argue the …
Cuban Choral Music: Tradition and Vitality
- Cuban choral music has a long and vital tradition, deeply intertwined with education since the colonial era. - The 19th century saw widespread music academies and numerous public and private choirs,…
The Aggressor's Dead
- US war veterans protested military actions in April 2026, citing the senseless loss of life in conflicts like the one against Iran. - An organization reported a 1,000% increase in calls from militar…
Cuba and Vietnam share rice production expertise
- Cuba and Vietnam are collaborating on rice production in Yara, Granma, leveraging accumulated experience and infrastructure. - The project, a partnership with Vietnam's Thai Binh Investment Trading …
Luis García Montero's personal anthology explores word, age, and love in Cuba
- Luis García Montero, director of the Cervantes Institute, presented his personal anthology in Cuba, featuring around one hundred poems. - The anthology, divided into "Word," "Age," and "Love," showc…
Ponce 1993: Pride in friendship forged through sports
- Cuba's victory at the 1993 Ponce Central American and Caribbean Games was nearly jeopardized by a U.S. travel ban on the national airline. - Strong opposition from participating nations and the orga…
Cuban water polo teams secure first wins at Santo Domingo Games
- Cuban women's and men's water polo teams secured their first victories at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games against Guatemala. - Both teams faced unexpected resistance from…
Spain Wins Second World Cup Title Against Argentina
- Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup title in New Jersey. - The final match was a tense affair with few clear scoring opportunities for either side, marked by strong goalkeeping and def…
Childhood and AI: A Cognitive Download?
- Unicef warns that the uncritical use of artificial intelligence (AI) by children could hinder the development of logical thinking. - Recent studies show rapid AI adoption among youth, raising concer…
Marco Rubio's 'Ideal Frame' for Demonizing Cuba
- Marco Rubio is accused of employing "macabre" tactics against Cuba, extending beyond the oil blockade and sanctions. - The article claims Rubio aims to demonize Cuba internationally to justify poten…
Bureaucrat's Death: Still Relevant 60 Years Later
- A 1966 Cuban film, "The Death of a Bureaucrat," remains relevant today for its satirical portrayal of bureaucratic inefficiency. - The movie's enduring message highlights how systemic issues, though…
Cuba Secures Nations League Spot Despite Performance Shortcomings
- Cuba's men's volleyball team secured their place in the 2027 Nations League but failed to reach the quarterfinals or rank among the top 12 globally. - The team's performance was hampered by the need…
Morales Inspects Public Works in Cuba for July 26th Anniversary
- Evo Morales visited the province of Cuba, the central site for the July 26th anniversary celebrations. - He emphasized the need to maintain the quality of ongoing public works projects. - Morales st…
Lana del Rey's poetry collection reflects sensitive, authentic spirit
- Lana del Rey's 41st birthday provides an occasion to review her 2020 poetry collection, "Violet bent backwards over the grass." - The book, translated into Spanish in 2021, features original photogr…
Cuban doctors' unwavering global humanitarianism
- Cuban medical professionals have a long history of international solidarity, including training in Sierra Leone during the 2014 Ebola epidemic. - The Henry Reeve contingent has deployed globally to …
Cuban agriculture enters new phase with focus on increased food production and land use
- Cuba's agriculture sector is entering a new phase with fresh opportunities for increased food production. - The sector aims to incorporate previously unexploited land and better utilize existing cap…
Argentina Rallies to Defeat Egypt 3-2 in Dramatic Football Match
- Argentina secured a 3-2 victory over Egypt in a dramatic match, with Yasser Ibrahim opening the scoring for Egypt. - Despite Egypt's strong performance, including goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mosta…
Cuba Blames U.S. Blockade for Latest National Power Grid Disconnection
- Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) experienced a new power outage. - The Cuban Foreign Minister attributes the disconnection to the intensification of the U.S. blockade. - He described the energy…
Cuba announces preliminary baseball roster for Central American Games
- Cuba announced a preliminary 30-player roster for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games baseball tournament. - The final roster will be cut to 24 players before the competition begins in…
Book on light in Cuban poetry presented in Havana
- A book on the role of light in Cuban poetry, "El rango de la luz en la poesía cubana" by Ivette Fuentes, was presented in Havana. - The work, which won the 2018 Uneac de Ensayo Prize, is praised for…
Global artists, intellectuals sign petition against U.S. blockade of Cuba
- Over 8,800 intellectuals and artists have signed a petition in solidarity with Cuba, condemning the U.S. economic blockade. - The petition, hosted on www.solidaridadsinbloqueo.org, also denounces fa…
50 Years of ISA: Echoes and Multiplications in Cuban Art
- The Higher Institute of Art (ISA) in Cuba celebrates its 50th anniversary, founded in 1976. - ISA has played a strategic role in shaping artistic education and Cuban cultural identity. - The institu…
International Olympic Committee's Decision on Russian Athletes Sparks Debate
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, allowing Russian athletes to compete in qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.…
Mike Waltz's Political Maneuvers After White House Exit
- Mike Waltz, former White House official, was reassigned from National Security Advisor after a "Signalgate" scandal involving leaked information. - The leak occurred when a journalist was accidental…
Havana's 1982 Games: A Triumph of Organization and Dominance
- Havana successfully hosted the 1982 Central American and Caribbean Games after Puerto Rico withdrew, becoming one of the most memorable editions. - The event saw a record 2,799 athletes from 22 nati…
Vittorio de Sica: 125 years of capturing the soul on screen
- Italian filmmaker Vittorio de Sica, born 125 years ago, is celebrated for his profound ability to capture characters' inner lives on screen. - His collaborations with screenwriter Cesare Zavattini, …
Middle East: Smuggling, Oil, Sky, and Power (Part III)
- The United States solidified its global power after World War II, influencing the Middle East under the guise of modernity while forming alliances with Persian Gulf monarchies crucial for oil produc…
New electric vehicles to improve hemodialysis patient transport in Cuba
- Cuba's Granma newspaper reports on the delivery of new electric vehicles to improve patient transport. - These modern vehicles will enhance the care of hemodialysis patients, emphasizing stability a…
Cuban Teen Crowned Chess Champion, Values Learning From Defeat
- César González won the U-20 Central America and Caribbean championships in rapid and blitz chess. - The 16-year-old Cuban player finds learning more from losses than wins, valuing challenging victor…
Cuban medical brigade concludes 27-year mission in Guatemala
- A Cuban medical brigade of 11,327 professionals has concluded 27 years of service in Guatemala, providing assistance in remote and impoverished areas. - The collaboration, which began in 1998 after …
Red card to child labor: Progress stalls as millions remain trapped in work
- Approximately 87 million children in sub-Saharan Africa, and 138 million globally, are engaged in child labor, with 54 million in hazardous work. - Despite international commitments to eradicate chi…
Criminal Insistence: US airstrikes resume on Iran days after peace deal
- The US launched new airstrikes against Iranian missile and drone facilities, escalating tensions. - Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and a breach of …
Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 1,430
- The death toll from earthquakes on June 24 in Venezuela has risen to 1,430, with 3,238 injured. - Over 430 aftershocks have been recorded, affecting 3,142 families who are now housed in shelters. - …
June 22, 1898: Open Wounds in the Neocolony
- On June 22, 1898, U.S. forces landed in Daiquirí, Santiago de Cuba, aiming to thwart Cuban independence fighters and secure U.S. victory over Spain. - This intervention marked Cuba's transition from…
José Massip: A Cultured Luminary and Guardian of Historical Memory in Cuban Cinema
- José Massip, a foundational figure in Cuban cinema and a recipient of the National Film Award, is celebrated for his pioneering work, including documentaries and fiction films. - Massip was involved…
Cuban chess player Renier González returns home for Capablanca tournament after 23 years
- Cuban chess player Renier González returned to compete in Cuba after 23 years, participating in the Capablanca In Memoriam tournament. - González, who left Cuba in 1999, views chess as a way to conn…
Vietnam and Cuba strengthen economic ties with minister's visit to Mariel Zone
- Vietnam's Foreign Minister Le Hoasi Trung visited Cuba's Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) to assess Vietnamese business operations. - Vietnam is the second-largest investor in ZEDM, with busin…
New Provincial Popular Tribunal opens in Guantánamo
- Cuba inaugurated a new Provincial Popular Tribunal (TPP) in Guantánamo, featuring modern facilities designed to improve judicial processes. - The new building, with three levels and 3,744 m2, includ…
School Sports Festivals Bolster Cuban Youth Amid Economic Challenges
- Cuba's School Sports Festivals engage communities as an alternative to economic limitations. - These festivals aim to promote sports participation among students despite financial challenges. - The …
Cuba warns of US aggression, citing economic pressure and intervention tactics
- Cuba's leadership is openly warning of a potential US military aggression, viewing economic strangulation as a precursor to intervention. - The government asserts that the Cuban people's resilience …
Refugee's harrowing journey highlights global displacement crisis
- Mahamat Daoud, a refugee from Darfur, Sudan, recounts his childhood experiences of displacement due to war and the subsequent hardships faced in refugee camps. - His journey involved perilous travel…
Juan Marrero: A Pillar of Cuban Journalism History
- Juan Marrero González, a prominent Cuban journalist and historian of Cuban press, died 10 years ago on June 18. - Marrero founded Prensa Latina and Granma newspaper, and served as vice president of …
Cuban film critic Castillo receives National Film Award after lifelong dedication
- Luciano Castillo, a Cuban film critic and archivist, recently received the National Film Award. - Castillo's lifelong passion for cinema began at age eight when he saw a German film in his hometown …
Cuba advances cancer vaccine development amid U.S. sanctions
- Cuba is developing a potential cancer vaccine, HeberSavax, despite U.S. sanctions. - The vaccine is described as unique and promising for treating various cancers. - Cuban officials emphasize the de…
The Host: Bong Joon-ho's Delightful Genre Bender
- Bong Joon-ho's "The Host" revives the spirit of 1950s B-movie horror and sci-fi, infused with political allegory. - The film subverts typical horror genre conventions, focusing on suspense, dark hum…
Cuban Woman, 107, Recalls Life in Guantánamo and Post-Revolution Opportunities
- María Sosa, a 107-year-old Cuban woman, recounts her life experiences, including the era of U.S. Navy soldiers' disrespectful behavior in Guantánamo. - She contrasts her life before and after the 19…
Spoofing Emerges as a Potent Weapon in Information War Against Cuba
- Spoofing tactics are increasingly used as a weapon in the information war against Cuba. - These methods involve creating fake online personas and spreading disinformation to manipulate public opinio…
Gaudí's Sagrada Familia Tops World's Tallest Church List as Spain Declares 'Gaudí Year'
- The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, has reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of its Jesus Christ tower. - The 172.5-meter tower makes the basilica the tall…
Global Screen, Shifting Rules: Who's Changing the Game?
- Global cinema is experiencing a shift, with audiences increasingly embracing non-English language films and complex narratives that challenge traditional formats. - Streaming platforms and auteur di…
The Right of Children to Be Children
- The article draws a parallel between 19th-century poet Victor Hugo's lament about child labor and the current global reality where millions of children are deprived of their childhood. - Globally, 1…
Euphoria's Disconcerting End to a Brilliant Series
- HBO's popular show "Euphoria" concluded its third and final season on May 31, 2026, after a delayed broadcast. - The series, created by Sam Levinson, evolved from its initial premise into a neo-West…
Miguel Coyula Llaguno: Integrity and Stature
- Miguel Coyula Llaguno, born in 1876, is remembered as a patriot and journalist dedicated to Cuba's independence and integrity. - He fought in the Liberation Army under notable generals and rejected …
Cuba to Manufacture New Batch of Ecomóviles in Sancti Spíritus
- Cuba will resume manufacturing Ecomóviles in Sancti Spíritus to alleviate passenger transport issues. - The plan is to build 50 electric microbuses, similar to those already operating in cities like…
Israel: A Tree That Grew Crooked
- The establishment of Israel in 1948, based on Zionist ideology, led to the displacement of Palestinians and ongoing conflict. - Israel developed nuclear weapons with French collaboration, estimated …
Refining National Crude Oil: A Difficult Path Yielding Results
- The Hermanos Díaz refinery in Santiago de Cuba has successfully adapted to process heavy crude oil, overcoming past production losses and staff exodus. - The refinery faced challenges due to U.S. sa…
The Doomsday Clock: A Chronicle on the Banality of Apocalypse
- The Doomsday Clock has been set to 85 seconds to midnight, signaling extreme global danger, yet life continues with a sense of normalization. - The article criticizes the "bureaucratic coldness" of …
Santa Lucía: Village solutions
- Residents of Santa Lucía, Cuba, collectively funded and installed a photovoltaic system to restore communication services. - The initiative was driven by the need to overcome power outages and commu…
Olga Benario Prestes: A Revolutionary's Life of Love and Struggle
- The article reflects on the life of Olga Benario Prestes, a German-Brazilian revolutionary, drawing parallels between her story and the 2004 Brazilian film 'Olga'. - It highlights her early revoluti…
Four new draft laws available for public review
- Four new draft laws are available for public review on the National Assembly's website. - The proposed legislation covers labor, agrarian and forestry land, housing, and state administration. - The …
Global Problems Worsen Access to Stable, Dignified Housing
- Global issues like rising housing costs, urban deficiencies, disasters, and conflicts worsen housing shortages worldwide. - The UN reports 3.4 billion people lack adequate housing, with 167 million …
Miike's 'Harakiri' Explodes Samurai Ideology
- Japanese director Takashi Miike's film "Harakiri" offers a rare, analytical look at the samurai. - The film critiques the rigid, hypocritical feudal system and the plight of impoverished samurai. - …
Cuba's CTC Congress final sessions set for June with austerity focus
- The final sessions of the 22nd Congress of the Workers' Central Union of Cuba (CTC) will take place on June 26-27, prioritizing austerity and virtual formats. - The congress process began over a yea…
British MPs and union leaders demand end to US aggression against Cuba
- British lawmakers and union leaders protested outside the UK Parliament against the Trump administration's escalating hostility toward Cuba. - They called for an end to new U.S. sanctions, including…
Patriots and Guardians Above All
- The article reflects on the legacy of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) on its anniversary, highlighting the contributions of its members to national security and defense. - It recounts historic…
Copextel Santiago: Powered by Cutting-Edge Energy
- Copextel Santiago, a company integrated into Cuba's electronics, automation, and communications group, has been recognized as a National Vanguard for its innovative efforts. - The company has been i…
He Zings, Zumbado
- Héctor Zumbado, a celebrated Cuban humorist, is remembered for his sharp, witty, and noble perspective on Cuban society. - He gained a loyal following through his columns, particularly "Riflexiones …