A Cuban “CDR” Celebration

Photo Report by Elio Delgado

With the traditional “caldosa,” a stew to which each family contributes some ingredient, celebrations were held this past Sunday for the 49th anniversary of the Committees of Defense of the Revolution (CDR), the largest mass organization in Cuba.

These neighborhood watch committees exist throughout the country on each block, in every neighborhood and rural community, and in all municipalities.

Every year on the evening of September 27 – in anticipation of the anniversary the following day – block parties are held in which families come out to socialize, dance, drink and share caldosa and other treats.

An often present ingredient at such celebrations is Afro-Cuban dance that draws together neighborhood residents inspired to perform for the “orishas” (African deities) of Ochún, Changó and Obatalá.

These photos reflect just a few of the fiestas held in Havana neighborhoods last Sunday.

Click on the thumbnails to see all the photos in this gallery