Murals of Propaganda in Cuba

I took a lot of photos of murals of propaganda in Cuba during my 16-day backpacking trip last year. However, I had to delete a lot of them, too, because I forgot to bring an extra memory card for my camera—and I didn’t bring my laptop because I know that internet connection there would be next to nada.

From Havana to Santiago de Cuba, the streets are filled with murals about the revolution that happened ages ago. I’ve seen more portraits of Che than Fidel as I backpacked all the way to the country’s southeastern part.

In Santa Clara, where the revolution started and where Che is buried, his words, portraits and statues are ubiquitous in the whole city. He’s god here and people are reminded of him in every corner. The propaganda is well and alive in this city. Ironically though, Santa Clara is said to be Cuba’s most progressive and most liberal in the country.

Now that the relationship between US and Cuba is thawing, let’s see if these murals of propaganda will be replaced with commercial ads of progress and consumerism.

Read: 35 Things to do in Havana

This is Che at Santa Clara Bus Station. You can’t miss it when you get on board and off the bus. I have to say this is an impressive mural.

I was walking early morning in Trinidad when I saw Che peeping through the doors of an old house.

Murals of Propaganda in Cuba. Che. — Murals of Propaganda in Cuba.

Cuba is always in revolution. You catch this phrase anywhere in the country.

To victory always!
(Is my guess translation, right? LOL…)

Murals of Propaganda in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

Propaganda or pure graffiti? I can’t decide. 😀

Murals of Propaganda in Santa Clara, Cuba.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the heroes of the revolution!

I found this mural at the same house where the 1994 Oscar-nominated film Fresa y Chocolate was shot. Go up to the third floor and you’ll find a private restaurant hailed by New York Times’ as the Best in Havana. Book at least a week. The exterior looks dilapidated and crumbling but don’t be fooled by it. 🙂