Report Back New Years Eve Party 51 Years of the Cuban Revolution! On New Years Day 1959, the U.S. backed dictator of Cuba fled the country with haste upon learning of the imminent victory of the Cuban revolution. Every year in Cuba alongside people around the world, celebrations occur to welcome in a new year of struggle for peace and social justice and celebrate the triumph and gains of the Cuban revolution. This year marking the 51st anniversary of the Cuban revolution was Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC) 5th annual and biggest, most exciting celebration to date. Over 280 people came to celebrate. Upon arriving two short and inspiring films were shown about Cuba’s role in promoting health for poor and oppressed people around the world. The first was “Hillside of the Himalayas” about Cuba’s contribution to the medical aid effort in Pakistan after earthquake devastation. The second film about Cuba’s “Mision Milagro” documented the work to bring vision back to hundreds of thousands of people around the world with their free eye surgery. After the films, the celebration’s MCs, Tamara Hansen, VCSC Co-ordinator and Payvand Pejvack, VCSC secretary, introduced the night briefly explaining the incredible events which occurred on and around January 1st 1959 leading up to the victory of the revolution and the gains Cuba has made on the world stage during the past year, from the environment to the rights of youth and children. After this introduction the MCs welcomed up representatives from a few different local social justice and Latin American solidarity groups to give new year’s greetings. Gladys Uribe representing the Solidarity Coalition for a United Latin America, Carmen Daley spoke as a Honduran organizer with the Committee in Solidarity with the People of Honduras, Charles Boylan spoke on behalf of the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada, Sarah Alwell, coordinator of the Free the Cuban 5 Committee-Vancouver explained the case of the 5 Cuban Heroes and activities happening in Vancouver for their cause. Alison Bodine, co-chair of Mobilization Against War & Occupation, spoke Via telephone from New York City at the New Year’s Eve party for the Cuban Revolution. After these exciting greetings, Joaquin Ernesto a local social justice fighter and musician played and sang songs of love and struggle for a better world which triggered the night of fun and dancing which followed. Throughout the night surrounded by an array of decorations commemorating 51 years of Cuban peoples’ struggle to move forward with the revolution, party goers danced and moved to the sounds blasting from DJ No T’enojes as he spun his turntables. Salsa, Raggaeton, North American hits, and much more played throughout the night. As midnight approached noise makers and cheers began to flood the hall leading up to the 10 second countdown to new years. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR! VIVA CUBA!” Blasted the crowd as balloons dropped from every angle of the hall onto cheering event participants. Dancing and partying continued throughout the night and people left with a feeling of inspiration for the coming year for the people of Cuba and people around the world. Don’t miss your chance to participate in next years 6th annual, Vancouver celebration of the anniversary of the Cuban revolution and many more events organized by Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba on the way in 2010! VIVA CUBA! VIVA FIDEL! VIVA RAUL! VIVA LA REVOLUCION CUBANA! A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE! Click on Photos to Enlarge