Ivett de las Mercedes

Luis Alberto Rios is 40 years old, he’s been living in Prague for two years. Like him, there are many Cubans in different parts of the world looking for a better place to live. There are many things that lead them to emigrate, even risking their lives in the crossing. Then they have to adapt themselves to difficult situations in order to survive.

The Virgin of Candelaria well west of Havana has a long-lasting legend. Pablo Pineiro and his wife Mercedes Nunez have been married for 52 years and together they have been the loyal guardians of this place. On the local city emblem, which is displayed at the museum, the image of the Virgin of Candelaria appears as a historic figure.

Ever since he’s retired, Rene Urra, 78, spends his time sowing ornamental plants and cedars in the courtyard of his house. He was the founder of the INRA (National Institute for Agrarian Reform), which is now the Ministry of Agriculture. Even though he hasn’t studied a university degree, engineers, technicians and farm workers visit him in search for his advice.

Pastor Yosbany del Campo Ortega (46) and his wife Sol Danela Paz Ortega (37) are leaders at the Christian church named Apostolic-Prophetic Ministry of those Born in Zion. We interviewed Yosbany about his work as a pastor in San Jose de Las Lajas.

The hilltop community of El Brujo Mendez finally has electricity. Maria de los Angeles Dominguez, 54 years old, was born in this beautiful place in the Rosario Sierra, Artemisa, and has never given up. (9 photos)

A group of 27 young Cubans set out from Bahia Honda, Artemisa, headed for the United States. They had built their vessel – only six meters long – together. They carried water, food and a big bag of hope. The next day, the engine broke down and they spent two agonizing weeks out at sea.