Easter in Cuba: Is it a holiday celebrated by Cubans?

To the question "Is Easter celebrated in Cuba?", the answer is: very little, if at all, for the majority of the population. The Easter tradition, as we know it in Canada or Europe, is very little present in Cuban culture.

A little history: religion in Cuba

From 1959 to the 1980s

After the 1959 Revolution, the Cuban government established an officially atheist state, severely restricting religious practice. Much of the clergy left the country, Church property was nationalized, and Afro-Cuban religions such as Santería were also repressed.

During this period, religion was viewed with suspicion by the authorities, and many believers were marginalized or imprisoned.

Since the 1990s

The 1990s marked a religious revival in Cuba, especially after the fall of the Soviet bloc. The Church played an important role in social assistance, notably through organizations such as Caritas. In 1992, Cuba officially abandoned state atheism, allowing believers to join the Communist Party.

The historic visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998 marked a symbolic turning point: Christmas Day became a public holiday once again, and religious expression gained in visibility, albeit still under the supervision of the authorities.

Today , Good Friday is officially recognized as a public holiday, following a request made by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit in 2012 - but this does not mean that Easter is widely celebrated.

What about in hotels?

Although the holiday is not rooted in popular culture, some Cuban hotels organize themed activities for tourists, including:

• Special Easterbuffets

• Egg hunts for children

• Decorations inspired by Western traditions (rabbits, eggs, etc.)

  
  

These events are mainly aimed at international visitors, and hotel staff, although often not practicing, participate with professionalism to ensure a festive atmosphere.

What do Cubans do over Easter?

Although tourism-related sectors don't usually get any time off, other Cubans, especially those working for the state, take advantage of Good Friday to relax with their families, sometimes in hotels if they have access to low-cost packages for locals.

To sum up

👉 Easter in Cuba is not a popular holiday as it is in Canada or Europe. However, with the gradual opening up to religious diversity and tourist influences, some occasional manifestations can be observed, especially in tourist areas like Varadero.

🐣 What is Easter?

Easter is a very important Christian holiday, especially celebrated in countries like Canada, France, Italy, the United States and many others.

It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his death (Good Friday). It is therefore a feast of joy and hope, celebrating life after death in the Christian faith.

✝️ For believers

Before Easter, there's a period called Lent, which lasts 40 days. Christians sometimes make sacrifices (such as eating less meat or not drinking alcohol). The week before Easter is called Holy Week, with :

• Maundy Thursday: we remember Jesus' last meal (the Last Supper).

• Good Friday: the day of his death on the cross.

• Easter Sunday: the day of his resurrection. It's the most important day.

  
  

🐰 What about eggs and rabbits?

In many countries, popular traditions have been added to the religious holiday:

Children receive or search for chocolate eggs in gardens (symbols of reborn life).

• The Easter bunny is a friendly figure who hides the eggs.

• There are also family meals, decorations and church celebrations.