¡Viva la Revolución!

Plaza de la Revolución, Havana

In Cuba, where I spent two weeks in March, things are just as different as you might think. Life is hard, rough and dirty. And then you die. Without ever having had the possibility of freedom of speech, indulge in a BigMac, or leaving this small island 110% controled by its communist regime (or "The Revolution" as they call it) since 50 years. As a tourist, it's one delicate destination; culturally, weather-wise, and, above all, politically. As a citizen... not quite as delicate.

There are literally no commercial ads to been seen in Cuba (which, to me, born and bred in the West, was as breath-taking as relieving). What they do got plenty of is propaganda. In fact, you see huge posters of Fidel & Co with hilarious qoutes on it pretty much everywhere you turn your head.

"Fatherland or Death"

"Che - Always Present!"

"Anyone who Gives Refuge to a Terrorist Is a Terrorist"

"With Fidel - Revolution"

"We Want You to Be as El Che (quote Fidel)"

"The People Make the Revolutions. No Doubt that the Cienfuego Citizens Are Strong (quotes Fidel)"

"Faithful to Our History"

"Liberty to the Truth"

"Free Press, Run Away Batista!"

"Cuba Is and Will Always Be an Eternal Baraguá - Until Victory Always"

"50th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution"

Ernesto "Che" Guevara Memorial Ground, Santa Clara