Distributed by The Cuba Free Press Project.

Havana, December 24, 1997, Cuba Press

Christmas by Decree. By Efren Martinez Pulgaron, Cuba Press.

The common Cuban, the one on foot, the one standing in long lines, the one on the "camel" (public transportation), the one eating ground meat with soya, the one with 39 years of socialism under his belt, received with caution and reserve the official announcement of the holiday celebration of December the 25th.

Surprise is the word which floats on most everyone's lips. They were not aware of the Catholic Church's efforts to bring back to the public this tradition which had been celebrated in Cuba for over four and a half centuries. A surprise which is joined to the expectations of the Papal visit.

Seventy-eight year old Elaida Gonzalez told Cuba Press: "I did not know the 25th would be declared a holiday, although I do not need to be reminded by a decree of the birth of Jesus Christ. I always carried Him in my heart, even when many hid Him and they started celebrating other dates." She added, "I remember that at the time, everything religious or any Catholic celebration was considered ‘ideological deviations'". She concluded by saying: "I do not believe the holiday will be for this year only, from now on all the Cuban people will continue to celebrate Christmas. If next year they do not declare it a holiday, people will take it."

Sixty-seven year old Felipe Alarcon, retired, asks himself the question, "Is it that Jesus Christ will be born for Cubans this year only?

Many believe that this tradition which is so much entrenched in the Christian memories of the Cuban people should be brought back.

"The love which we so much need will return to our lives; everything that is happening to us these days are signs from God, Who is praying over our people. This Christmas is a blessing from the Lord, and it is to Him that I am grateful, not to men" --commented 47 year old Nancy Gutierrez.

Some remember the roast pork, the black beans, the white rice, the "yucca con mojo" (cassava with typical marinade), and the salads; yet others, the older ones, still remember the apples and the "turrones" (Spanish nougat candy), and they all agree that the most important thing is the family reunion when it comes to celebrating the most important night of the year, the Holy Night of the Birth of Jesus.

Cardinal Ortega was quoted recently as saying: "Be it with chicken, or pork, or ground meat with soya, the fundamental thing is to celebrate it",

The truth is that some will have a better table than others. One food market owner from a corner of Old Havana said: "¿Christmas, what for? We have received no news that anything additional will be brought to the shelves to enable us to celebrate such a date with dignity."

Suspicions, premonitions, surprises, emotions... The country recovers its spirituality. And after years of strong scientific atheism, it prepares to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. The Catholics will extend Christmas to the arrival of the Pope in January.

In spite of the pain in their lives, Christ will be born this year for all Cubans, for those who are imprisoned for political or common causes, for the policemen and for the prostitutes, for those who govern, for the sick, for the intellectuals, for those in exile, for all Cuban families, in many instances separated.

Perhaps in many of the workplaces a Christmas tree will be raised, perhaps a militant communist will dare to have a party on the 24th, and perhaps some record players will once again play Christmas carols, and perhaps, if you phone a government office, just perhaps, a sweet voice will answer you with a "Merry Christmas".

Cuba Press wishes a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all the Cuban people!

By Efren Martinez Pulgaron, Cuba Press.