Under the Gaze of the Saviour by wysiwig
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Description
The practice of religion was made legal in 1994. Observant Cubans were no longer penalized for their faith. Our guide, Jorge, is from a Catholic family. He told us how, growing up, the family had to hide their Christmas tree in the closet from strangers to avoid trouble.
As a striking example of how much things have changed since the 1959 revolution, the Plaza de la Revolucion, the place where Fidel delivered his fiery speeches, was the same place where Pope Francis spoke to the people of Cuba. And across from the plaza people had erected a giant painting of Jesus. The smaller sign on the far right says “Welcome to Cuba Pope Francis”. And, yes, that is a cherry 1958 Chevy Bel Air convertible.
Comments (8)
durleybeachbum
Great car! Gosh, did I say that?
jayfar
What a wonderful sign of the times Mark.
auntietk
I've heard about the cars. Way cool!
This Pope is an interesting fellow. I'm nowhere close to Catholic, but still find his statements to be fascinating. I'm so interested to see what happens in his world over the next several years!
Cyve
Fantastic place and shot my friend !!!
kgb224
Amazing capture my friend. God bless.
Jollyself
nice shot
MrsRatbag
Wonderful to see inside these closed borders!
anahata.c
now this is what comes of doing photographic travelogues for so long...an expert shot! The new Cuba, symbolized by the Pope (and that sign of him waving to Cuba---what a great sight), and that high rise covered with Jesus painted on fabric. (Well it looks like fabric.) And the long broad roadways that we so often see in pictures of Havana. And bright clouded sky. And in front? A great old 50's Chevy---which, at least to us outsiders, is symbolic of Cuba. I've seen cars like this in many shots of Cuba. (There's an artist here---etoiledumatin ((I hope I spelled it right))---who's done photo-journalistic shots all over the world, and he has several from Cuba, including these beautiful old American cars...) And you have people smiling at you---are they with you, or did you catch some people riding by? Even some banners. I love this shot. I love it.
(and isn't it amazing to hear about the oppression of religion, when we, in America, are trying to get away from religion oppressing us? It also brings back memories of my grandfather from Russia, who, when he saw a huge church, would cower because of what he experienced in Russia. I assume you had grandparents/elders who had similar experiences. Yet in Cuba, you could be arrested for displaying a crucifix...)
wysiwig
To answer your question, these people wsere strangers to me. They just happened to be in the way of my shot (lucky me).