Day for Cuba - White Umbrellas and Balloons on Charles Bridge

The Cuba committee of the ECCB Synodal Council held on 18th March the “Day for Cuba” to support the democratically minded opposition there. This event took place for the fourth time - after Brno, Olomouc and Hradec Kralove now also in Prague. Other participants of the program were the non-profit organization “People in Need” and the parish of St. Thomas in Malastrana (Lesser Town).

The organizers, Cubans living in the Czech Republic, and many guests came together at Křižovniské náměstí (Knights of the Cross Square) near Charles Bridge. Moderator Joel Ruml madea short speech and the theologian Tomáš Halík contributed an introductory message. Words about the significance of the events in the Crimea could be heard. Bishop Václav Malý blessed the then forming procession which went across Charles Bridge to St. Thomas Church in the Lesser Town. The procession, with white balloons and white umbrellas symbolized support for the "Damas de Blanco", the Ladies in White. This is an association of women, mothers, sisters and daughters of political prisoners in Cuba, who meets regularly in Havana. They draw attention to their difficult situation through peaceful demonstrations, they dress in white and carry white flowers. Vice moderator, Pavel Kašpar, preached at the ecumenical service. The intercessions for Christians and non-Christians in Cuba and for peace around the world were symbolized by the lighting of candles. At the end of the service a collection was taken to support the work with children in Cuba.

The last part of the program was a panel discussion moderated by Ondřej Juřík (“People in Need”) at which Francis Sánches (Cuba), Bishop Václav Malý and Milan Jakobec (former Charge d'Affaires of the Czech Republic in Cuba), spoke. They also debated with those who were interested in the topic. An enjoyable part of the program was Latin American music performed by the trio Los Cumbancheros.

Whether "something changes or not" will not necessarily show immediately. However, every instance of financial or moral support, every prayer and every occasion of public outspoken solidarity can influence the perception of Czech society so that it does not diminish in its support for the development of Democracy and the abolishment of the Socialist system in Cuba.

Daniela Ženatá