Gijón Hosts Solidarity Rally Over US Blockade of Cuba

From July 3‑5, Gijón, Spain, held the XVIII Encuentro Estatal de Solidaridad con Cuba, drawing more than 200 participants and over 45 political, union and social organisations from across the country. The gathering marked the 32nd anniversary of the sister‑city agreement between Gijón and Havana, and opened with remarks by activist Manuel Villar, who demanded the restoration of municipal cooperation that was halted in 2011.

Cuban ambassador Marcelino Medina González addressed the crowd, outlining three components of what he described as the United States’ “war strategy” against Cuba: economic suffocation through the blockade, diplomatic pressure to force a concession on sovereignty and resources, and the looming threat of direct military aggression. He warned that the energy and fuel embargo is causing blackouts, transport paralysis and serious health‑care shortages on the island.

The event also inaugurated the Jardines Alicia Alonso, a new public space honoring the famed Cuban ballerina, and featured statements from local officials and solidarity groups affirming continued support for Cuba’s revolution.