Come see Cuba for yourself!
JOIN US FOR MAYDAY IN CUBA. “Labor and Youth Activists Delegation.”
Our delegation of 55 returned from Cuba after May Day---an amazing ten days of meetings, museums, aquarium, cultural activities and discussions uniquely sponsored by the Cuban Trade Union Federation (CTC) and International Committee of Friendship with the People (ICAP).
Below is our draft itinerary plus a sampling of educational videos.
WE WANT TO INVITE YOU TO GO WITH US TO CUBA FOR MAY DAY, 2025.
April 23-May 2 (10 days) that includes: (fewer or more days are also an option)
- University of Havana: Federation of University Youth (FEU), Union of Young Communists (UJC), Federation of Cuban Women (FMC),
- Committees to Defend the Revolution (CDR), People's Assembly (Poder Popular),
- Calixto Garcia hospital- medical bag drops and program
- Editors of Granma (newspaper of the Cuban Communist Party),
- Cultural paper Bohemia, HQ visit
- Trabajadores (newspaper of the Central de Trabajadores Cubanos-CTC), factory visits,
- International students studying at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM),
- Belles Artes, Centro Fidel, Museo de la Revolución, Museo de Alfabetización
- Organic urban farms, botanical garden, National Aquarium,
- Free time in Havana, a beach, Fabrica de Artes (massive dance, music, & art center)
- Perhaps a trip to the agricultural area, Vinales.
- MAY 1: MAY DAY MARCH, followed by lunch at beach, workers retreat
- MAY 2: INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY CONFERENCE of thousands, scores of international delegations, workshops
The total daily cost is $60 plus airfare.
FULL 10 days=$1,000-$1100 includes airfare, all Cuba expenses & spending money
Cuba needs you! We need You!
JOIN US IN OUTREACH EVENTS, ORGANIZING CAMPUS, COMMUNITY AND PRESENTATIONS AT UNION MEETINGS!
New medical aid campaigns, public events, and participating in protests to distribute Cuba's positions. We join and participate in workers' picket lines and strikes, environmental, abortion, Palestine, and immigrants' rights rallies---not to endorse, but to distribute flyers on Cuba and how it is different. We also bring a large banner, literature, and buttons for educational purposes.
Cuba: The CTC Invites You to Celebrate May Day
In response to these violations of international law, we the workers together with the people maintain the unshakeable decision to be faithful to the legacy of the heroes of the Cuban nation; to continue the battle that successive generations of workers, peasants and students have fought, to achieve freedom, independence and social justice, and to preserve and enhance the sacred conquests that we have achieved after the victory of our revolution on January 1, 1959.
In this challenging and complex context, of this period for the nation and all of humanity, the Workers’ Central Union of Cuba (CTC) and its unions nationwide, are calling for a day of mobilization to celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1st; confident that this great celebration will be a new and forceful demonstration showing that we Cubans are still standing firm here, standing up and fighting!
In a massive parade, presided over by the slogan “For Cuba Together We Create”, in the José Martí Revolution Square in the capital, as well as throughout the country, millions of compatriots will ratify our firm conviction that the unity of the people, unconditional resistance and the will to perfect the Common Work will always be a guarantee of victory.
With the contribution of everyone, especially the workers, we will advance the programs that support the socio-economic transformation and development of the country, focused on satisfying the needs of the people and improving working conditions and wages.
In order to achieve this aim, it is essential to maximize the productive reserves available to us, in each sector and workplace; to consolidate the powers granted to the Socialist State Enterprise and its links with the non-state sector, which will contribute to a greater and more diversified supply of goods and services, as well as to the growth of income in freely convertible currency. In this direction, food production is vital, to be as self-sufficient as possible and reduce the costly and unsustainable dependence on imports.
These activities are framed within our historic commemorations: the 130th anniversary of the beginning of the war of independence led by our National Hero José Martí on February 24, 1895; the 86th anniversary of the founding of the CTC, the 22nd Congress; and the 66th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution.
It will also be a special moment to pay a heartfelt tribute to our Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, an everlasting paradigm of Cuban solidarity with all just causes, eternal guide of this Revolution and its people. At the same time, on this day we will continue to demand the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba by the US government, which has been intensified with new coercive measures in these early days of the new administration, including the absurd re inclusion of our country on the spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism, all of which significantly affect the welfare of the people, the workers and their families.
This will be a good opportunity to reaffirm our rejection of the Israeli government’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people, and to fly the flag of solidarity with the international trade union movement and the workers around the world who are being exploited as a result of the multidimensional crisis of the capitalist system and its neoliberal policies.
Dear comrades: We will celebrate the festival of the world proletariat with colorful and combative parades in squares and communities of our country, as an unequivocal demonstration of the majority support of our people for their Revolution, ratifying the priority of participation and commitment of all, in the search for solutions in the economic battle we are waging, from our own efforts and with the firm and unchanging determination to always achieve victory. Long live May Day! Long live international solidarity!
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT of the CTC MARCH 9, 2025
JOIN THE “LABOR AND YOUTH ACTIVISTS DELEGATION.”
The only US delegation sponsored by the CTC and invited to participate with hundreds of other unionists from the global south in their Pasantia, April 23-28.
This important content cannot currently be viewed on mobile. Please view on computer, or contact us to receive information.
| Information Needed from Participants in May Day Cuba Delegation |
- Purchase flights (Skyscanner is best to check flight costs of multiple carriers.)
- One week before travelling buy Evisa from Mayra Alonso [email protected]
- One week (maximum) before flight go to D’Viajeros to complete Cuban immigration form. https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/datosPersonales
SAMPLE FLIGHT INFORMATION
LAX-HAV-LAX UNITED Airlines. Best. $531. United UA2736 5:50 AM, 4.25 To HOU. Duration 3h 18
HOU to HAV. United UA1506 12:01 PM, April 25. Duration 2h 29 Arriving at Havana, 3:30 PM2025.
HAV-LAX United UA1507 4:35 PM, May 3. Duration 2h 21. Arr HOU 5:56 PM (US CUSTOMS)
United UA 2095 HOU 7:50 PM. Duration 3h 48. Arr LAX 9:38 PM, May 3. Won’t hassle on medical bag we open at ticket counter. If there is a charge ($40) LAHOC will pay it..
LAX-HAV-LAX $560 American Airlines AA1912. From LAX, 10:49 PM, April 22, 2025. 10:49 PM
Duration 4h 53 mto Miami, 6:42 AM, Arrives 4.23
American Airlines AA242. MIA to HAV8:19 AM, 4.23 Duration 1h 11. HAV arrival 9:30 AM
HAV-MIA-LAX. American Airlines AA2483. HAV dep 6:25 PM, May 3. Duration 1h 10. Arr MIA 7:35 PM (US Customs). MIA-LAX American Airlines AA6699:24 PM. Duration 5h 54 Arr LAX 12:18 AM, May 4
COPA AIRLINES A LITTLE CHEAPER BUT LONGER FLIGHTS. GO THRU PANAMA
Delta flights are $690.
SAT-HAV-SAT. $475 American Airlines AA1604 5:24 AM, April 22. Duration 2h 51 Arr. MIA , 9:15 AM
American Airlines AA2705. MIA to HAV.10:30 AM Duration 1h 30, Arrive HAV 12:00 PM, April 22
HAV to SAT American Airlines AA243 10:30 AM, May 3.Duration 1hr Arr MIA 11:40 (US CUSTOMS)
American AirlinesAA3778. MIA to SAT 2:25 PM, Duration 3h 23. Arrive 4:48 PM, May 3, 2025.
Southwest has flights from FLL (Ft.Lauderdale one way to HAV for $158. But you have to get another carrier to return to U.S. NO SW flights from HAV in May.
CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR CUBA: May Day “Labor & Youth Activists” delegation
Dear delegation participants,
We are excited that you will be joining us to participate in our delegation. You have the unique opportunity to see Cuba from the ground up — experience its vibrant culture and get a first-hand look at many of the issues you’ve read about (and some you haven’t). To be sure, the challenges and complexities in Cuba are great. Resources are scarce for many in both the cities and the countryside. But the resilience and joy with which Cubans approach their unique reality are a testament to the spirit of Cuban creativity and resistance.
Our experiences in Cuba have filled us with hope for the future, and the potential of humanity. Most of all, these encounters have inspired us. We are excited to organize this journey to Cuba for us to (re) connect with Cubans. We will learn about Cuban environmental education, politics, and history with international delegations. In collaboration with the Cuban National Aquarium, we shall provide excellent local guidance, housing, translation, and transport.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Keep originals in your carry-on luggage and copies of these documents in your luggage: 1. Your passport, valid for six months after the end of the tour.
2. Your Travel Affidavit and note the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) category under which you are traveling is “Educational Travel: 515.565 (b) People-to-People” for your records. 3. Your emergency contact information for your accommodations.
4. Cuban Visa or Cuban “tourist card” from Marazul Tours (Mayra Alonso ([email protected]) or your airline, purchased at the Cuba desk at your departure gate to Havana). They vary in price from $50-75 USD.
5. Cuban Health Insurance is required for all travelers entering the country (included in the price of your ticket if purchased from a US carrier). Please keep your boarding pass to serve as proof that you have Cuban Health Insurance. Cuban health insurance is provided by ESICUBA.
6. While in Cuba, keep your phone in airplane mode or your bill will be enormous. You will have access to the internet with ETECSA wi-fi cards that you can purchase and use in designated areas. 7. Cuban government form; complete 48 hours before flight
https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/datosPersonales
HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE INFORMATION
Cuban accomplishments in health care are internationally recognized. Rest assured that in case of an emergency, you will be well taken care of. Should you need medical attention, please let someone in the steering committee know immediately. No inoculations are required for travel to Cuba. (Confirm your tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations are current). For more information, go to the CDC web site: www.cdc.gov for Cuba travel. Most common afflictions for visitors are dehydration, mild diarrhea and sunstroke. Remember the tropics means mosquitoes! Most cities are vector controlled, so mosquitoes are more abundant in the rural and coastal areas. Not an issue in Havana.
FOOD and WATER Drink only bottled or filtered water. Large bottles purchased at stores throughout the island, and will be provided by host organizations. In the tropics, drink lots of water daily to avoid dehydration. All international travel is exhausting! Getting used to new foods and water is hard on the
body, and the change in diet sometimes results in diarrhea. This is easy to treat, quick to recover from by sticking to simple foods. Cuban natural remedies for diarrhea include eating guava, which is constipating, and malanga root to settle the stomach. Vegetarian or other special needs can be accommodated (please talk to Mark before leaving). Pack healthy snacks, protein bars and nuts; always a good idea when traveling, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Bring tums/pepto to
help with diarrhea symptoms to avoid dehydration.
We ask everyone to bring an extra pound of coffee, lentils or pasta so the Hotel Rocinante kitchen can ensure plentiful food for us during our stay. Rocinante staff has also asked that some of us bring an extra pillowcase and/or sheet if possible…We will occupy the entire hotel and full occupancy is unusual for them. (They have WiFi)
Animal Bites or Scratches: Do not touch or feed animals, including dogs and cats, even if they look healthy.
Personal Care: Taking care of yourself is the best protection against getting sick. This requires getting enough rest. Please try to get a reasonable amount of sleep before and during our trip, as we will have a full schedule.
AT THE AIRPORT IN HAVANA, CUBA
Immigration and Customs: Upon your arrival in Cuba, you will first go through immigration. You’ll present your passport and Cuban visa. The officer will then stamp an entry approval on the visa and give it back. The visa officially authorizes your entry into Cuba and serves as a “stamp” in your passport. Do not lose this visa. You need it when you leave, so keep it safe. You will then collect your luggage and go through customs. The customs procedure rarely involves a luggage search. After customs, look for a sign with our group’s name, where we’ll attempt to organize transportation. WE WANT TO COORDINATE FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL TIMES TO FACILITATE THIS.
● EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO MEET GROUPS. BUT IF THERE IS A SNAFU…GROUP UP, TAKE A TAXI to Hotel Rocinante ($25), or the CTC center if you’re coming for that.
Depending on your arrival date
CTC Pasantia: Calle 264, Esquina 33 Reparto San Agustin, La Lisa Municipality (Outside HAV) Hotel Rocinante, 502 Avenida de los Presidentes, Vedado. Ave. H between 19 & 21st st.
*CUSTOMS IN CUBA*
If questioned by Cuban customs about your visit, you are visiting in a professional capacity, MarCuba. We are sponsored by the Acuario Nacional and many other Cuban groups. REMEMBER: If you are a US citizen, you are traveling to Cuba legally on an “Educational Travel: 515.565 (b) People-to-People” License. Let us know before we depart if you are a Cuban citizen/Cuban-born.
WHAT YOU MAY BRING BACK TO THE U.S.
Under US travel restrictions, you may purchase educational materials and coffee, and pack them in your luggage. The following materials are exempt from regulation under the embargo, and you can exceed your legal spending limit to purchase them: books, periodicals, paintings, records, sculptures, tapes, CD’s, films, videos, photographs, posters, lithographs, serigraphs, microfilm, and other informational/educational materials. Artwork may be taxed if you do not pack it in your suitcase. Fine art usually already has an export tax. You can ask the artist if this is included or necessary at purchase. Trump/Biden/Harris Administration sanctions prohibit travelers from bringing Rum & Cigars back to the US. You cannot pack these and bring them home as a gift. If caught it is a felony! Other purchases are OK. Enjoy all the rum and cigars you want in Cuba! https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/topic/1541
COSTS & MONEY
The Cuban Peso is locally known as “Peso Cubano” (CUP), “moneda nacional” or simply “MN” used for residents and visitors. We strongly recommend you bring US DOLLARS (new $50 and $100 denominations mostly).
Remember you can’t use credit cards or get cash through an ATM, play it safe, and bring more money (perhaps $500) than you think you’ll need! We will organize the exchange. Dollars can be used for airport taxis in the interim. COSTS FOR EVERYTHING (food, accommodations, transport inside
the country) is $60 A DAY.
PREPARATIONS & PACKING
Please pack lightly to facilitate smooth transitions while traveling. You can hand-wash clothes they will dry overnight (bring a bar of soap). NO WEIGHT LIMIT ON CARRY-ONS. Bring a daypack, and a roll away for the plane’s overhead compartment. MOST OF US WILL BRING A LARGE CHECKED SUITCASE WITH MEDICAL AID AND ELECTRONICS.
Time: Cuba is 5 hours behind UTC, and the same time as EST (New York). Translation will be provided for all with individual earpieces and receivers.
Electricity: Outlets accept 110 V plugs, the same as the US. Occasionally you will find 220 V. Two types of plugs, two flat blades (US), or two round pins. If your appliances have a different shape, you will need a plug adapter. These are inexpensive. Newer laptops and digital cameras do not require voltage converters. Depending on how much future travel you plan, purchase a kit with a combination voltage converter and plug adapters.
Weather: Cuba has a subtropical warm and humid climate, average temperature 26°C (79°F), with possible rain.
Correspondence: International calls can be made but cost roughly $3 per minute. Purchase phone/internet cards ($.25/hour- purchase at the airport if time permits or at the hotel). We will be using WhatsApp for our communications when we have WiFi (at hotels, and convention centers).
Internet: Please prepare ahead and set up an “away message” for your email account(s) and alternate contacts if needed. We encourage you to take this as an opportunity to step away from a tech-centered life. Zoom and some other websites are blocked by the US, please make sure you download a VPN to have full access to the internet.
BEFORE LEAVING U.S. TURN YOUR PHONE TO AIRPLANE MODE AND KEEP IT ON THAT!!!
Clothing: Pack for versatility, neatness, and ease of washing and drying. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a must. Weather can be erratic so be prepared for rain, sun, and wind. Neat, casual clothes will work for most of the trip. No dressy or formal clothes, but something nicer for evenings out and at the conference. Expect to do a considerable amount of walking to site visits from the hotel. We recommend sneakers be used daily. (See our packing suggestions below).
Packing List: (suggestions) Bring what you think you will need, including batteries. Clothing: 1-2 pairs long pants, 1-2 pairs shorts or skirts, 1-light, long-sleeved shirt or blouse, 1 sweatshirt, 3 short sleeved shirts, sleepwear, umbrella and/or light rain jacket, sunglasses, sandals, walking/hiking shoes (worn on the plane), socks & underwear, sunhat, bathing suit, flip flops, quick-drying towel (Bath towels are provided at the hotels). Miscellaneous Items: Some form of ID (Driver's License) in addition to your passport and photocopy of the vital statistics page (front page) of your passport, Camera or use cell, chargers, batteries, plug adapters and if needed Latin American Spanish dictionary/phrase book, notebook/ pens. Any prescription medication(s). Basic first aid kit including painkillers, antihistamines (in case of an allergic reaction), and Pepto Bismol/Kaopectate for diarrhea. Keep medications in original containers, with Rx. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Toiletries: shampoo, soap, toothpaste/ toothbrush, deodorant, women’s sanitary products. Liquid soap/bar for laundry---3 oz max. Refillable water bottle (maybe with filter), travel mug (if you want to carry coffee or tea). One roll of toilet paper. (You can’t count on all public bathrooms having it), earplugs (if you are a light sleeper) Passport/Visa, airplane tickets, money (Euros or USD, credit cards for use in transit only), etc.
THEFT & PERSONAL SAFETY: With austerity and hard times, Cuba has experienced a minimal
increase in petty crime yet nowhere near the level that exists in the US. However, as in all international travel, avoid being a victim of theft. Do not put your camera/phone on a table or the floor and walk away. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY LYING AROUND YOUR HOTEL ROOM.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS: As a respectful visitor, observe normal social courtesies, and respect for traditions. Cubans are very friendly & welcoming. Western & casual wear are acceptable. Food portions are large and include meat. Please be as flexible and polite in explaining dietary restrictions. Be discreet about any complaints in front of local hosts- share the issue privately with tour leaders first
for an opportunity to address your concerns positively.
TRAVELING WITH A GROUP: As a group, we shall have access to people and organizations you would not meet on your own. You will also benefit from the questions/input of your fellow travelers and have the opportunity to discuss issues with people from various backgrounds and experiences.
Avoiding the “Ugly Visitor'' Syndrome: Avoid behavior that could offend local people. Do not make promises to people or new friends that you cannot keep. Do not make promises of sending money or material aid upon your return -do promise active solidarity in ending the US blockade. Do not take pictures of people without asking. People dressed up in Old Havana (women in headdresses, with cigars; living statue performers, etc.) are working, consider a donation for photos.
Tipping: Cubans who work in the tourist industry depend on tips as part of their income. When you dine out, leave a small tip. Leave a tip for the cleaning staff, food servers at the end of your hotel stay, or musicians you encounter. Ask us if you have questions about what is appropriate.
Many people find that it is nice to offer gifts to people we meet, or organizations we visit. This is not required but it can be a nice way to show your gratitude and solidarity. We recommend modest gifts such as arts and crafts supplies for the national aquarium, t-shirts from organizations/unions, caps/ t shirts from sports teams. (Cubans’ passion), Cuba Si, Bloqueo No buttons, chocolate, small energy bars, small bottles of aspirin/ibuprofen…
Please feel free to email, text, or call Mark, the lead delegation coordinator (310) 350-7515 Mark will be heading to Havana before the rest of the delegation and to be at the CTC Pasantia.