Fidel Castro's death – possible outcomes for tourists?

11/28/2016 1:28:51 AM

This CTV News article says it’s not a normal tourist experience:

They came for salsa music and mojitos and ended up wandering through a city turned still and silent by nine days of national mourning for Fidel Castro.

As Cuba prepares a massive commemoration for the leader of its socialist revolution, tens of thousands of high-season travellers have found themselves accidental witnesses to history — and smack in the middle of a sombre city that’s little like its usual exuberant self.

…

Many museums have closed their doors, and a state-sanctioned ban on live music has shuttered concerts and nightspots including the famed Tropicana nightclub. Old Havana these days is eerily devoid of the roving troubadours whose Buena Vista Social Club croonings normally echo through the cobblestone streets. And the 1950s classic cars that function as collective taxis are doing without the usual reggaeton at max volume.

I suppose these will be the conditions throughout the 9 days.

11/27/2016 12:42:19 AM

As for the nine days of mourning:

during the national mourning public activities and shows will be halted, the national flag will be flown at half-mast in public buildings and military establishments and radio and television will broadcast informational, patriotic and historical programming

As per "Viva Fidel!", Cubans begin mass mourning for Castro:

Streets were quiet following the news, and some normally busy restaurants were all but empty, but Castro’s death did not bring daily life in Havana to a complete halt. Some Cubans went to buy vegetables in markets and chicken in state-run stores.

"Usually we’re full, but today only tourists have come and maybe a few Cubans. Usually it’s the other way around. It seems Cubans feel funny about enjoying themselves so soon after Fidel died," said Raul Tamayo, a doorman at La Roca, a popular restaurant in Havana’s central Vedado district.

Finally you should note the country is ruled by Raúl Castro for more than eight years now. You could add another two when he was in "acting" capability before that. Everything I read says his rule is very stable. So if you are afraid of unrest, that is very unlikely.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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