Havana marks 500th anniversary with special gala - 20th November 2019

Cuba's capital, Havana, celebrated its 500th anniversary in style with fireworks, a special gala, and people making wishes for the future at the city's symbolic tree.

The official gala toasted Havana's anniversary by restoring buildings and hosting exhibitions. President Miguel Diaz-Canel welcomed special dignitaries at midday on 16th November, marking 500 years since Spanish conquerors had founded the city in 1519. The evening saw a spectacular fireworks display over the 17th century Morro Castle, witnessed by crowds of locals across Havana Bay.

After restoring buildings, streets, markets, parks and museums, the celebrations signified a fresh start. Many local Habaneros gathered around the city's tree, La Ceiba, sacred to Cuba's Santeria religion making their own wishes for the future. Local citizens circled the silk floss tree, touching it for good luck and requesting health, money and wellbeing after a local professor had given the public access to La Templeta, the temple built around the historic tree.

Havana is using the anniversary to celebrate 500 years of achievements and further improvements to come. However, this hope contrasts with the ongoing burden of US sanctions and the economic challenges that citizens endure.

Havana had been ruled by Spain for four centuries before Cuba gained independence, after which it was the seat of US-backed governments. Now home to socialist rule for over 60 years, the city has experienced Cuba's increasingly tense relations with the US government.

One landmark event at Havana's 500-year milestone was the first state visit by a Spanish monarch, King Felipe. He was met by Raul Castro, leader of the Communist Party and brother of socialist Cuba's revered founder, Fidel.

President Diaz-Canel told guests at a special gathering: "Havana, a city of science, dance, cinema, literature, sporting events and an example of resistance in the face of neoliberalism, is also the city of dignity, the bastion of resistance against the unjust (U.S.) blockade."

Meanwhile, local chemical engineer, Irene Dominguez, asked the La Ceiba tree to protect the wellbeing of the

entire city. "I was very excited, I yelled and was near tears," she exclaimed.