Published May 1, 2026
Cuban electrical and oil workers marched in Havana to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), as the government vows to stand firm against increasing pressure from the United States that is further straining the economy.
Former leader Raul Castro, 94, and President Miguel Diaz-Canel took part in a celebratory event in the capital on Friday, as President Donald Trump’s administration announced further sanctions.
A White House statement said the sanctions would target “key supporters of the Cuban government” as well as members of the security services. The statement added, without evidence, that the Caribbean island has become a “safe haven for transnational terrorist organizations” such as the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The US energy blockade is already hurting the country’s struggling economy and contributing to widespread energy blackouts.
“We are living in difficult times,” said Yuniel Merino Reyes, an accountant with the electricity workers union who took part in Friday’s march to celebrate his colleagues. “We are working very hard, painstakingly, relentlessly, day and night, to bring power to those who need it,” he told The Associated Press.
In addition to increasing economic pressure, the Trump administration has frequently threatened Cuba with military attacks.
Milagros Morales, 34, a Havana resident who took part in the march, told Reuters: “Today Cuba once again showed that even if we want peace, our people will not give up and will fiercely defend their homeland.”
