Castro’s death spurs tears, hope
Expatriates exult: Emotions run high among Miami’s Cuban Americans.
MIAMI — Fidel Castro’s death triggered an emotional and long-awaited celebration in Miami’s large Cuban-American community Saturday as peaceful demonstrators waved flags and honked car horns, many cheering with joy and others weeping for family members who didn’t live to see this day.
Yet it was also a bittersweet time as most realize Castro’s passing will not immediately translate into freedom or democracy on the oppressive communist island and that much work remains to enact change in Cuba.
“We need for the people of Cuba to have the freedom we have in the U.S., but this changes nothing. There won’t be change until the people revolt,” said Juan Cobas, 50, who came to the U.S. from Cuba at age 13.
Others saw Castro’s death as a sign that a generation that has ruled Cuba for nearly 60 years is passing from the world stage, with many noting that his brother, current President Raul Castro, is 85.
“I’m feeling this is the beginning of the end,” said Alex Pineiro, 32. “Fidel was the architect of what’s going on. It’s a mix of emotions. I’m happy he’s dead, but I’m celebrating hope.”
Within hours of the announcement early Saturday of Castro’s death at age 90, thousands of people banged pots with spoons, waved Cuban and U.S. flags in the air and whooped in jubilation on Calle Ocho — Eighth Street, and the heart of Little Havana. Honking horns and strains of salsa music from car stereos echoed, and fireworks lit up the night sky.
Police blocked off streets leading to Cafe Versailles, the quintessential Cuban-American hotspot where strong cafecitos — sweetened espresso — were as common as a harsh word about Fidel Castro.
“Cuba si! Castro no!” they chanted, while others screamed “Cuba libre!”
Celebration, not grief, permeated the atmosphere. Castro has cast a shadow over Miami for decades, and in many ways, his policy and his power have shaped the city and its inhabitants.
“We’re not celebrating that someone died, but that this is finished,” said 30-year-old Erick Martinez, who emigrated from Cuba four years ago.
There were no reports of violence or any arrests during the demonstrations, Miami police spokeswoman Kenia Fallat said Saturday.
News of Castro’s death was long anticipated by the exiles. Rumors have come and gone for decades, and Castro’s death had become something of a joke. This time, though, it was real.
“We’re all celebrating. This is like a carnival,” said 72-year-old Jay Fernandez, who came to Miami when he was 18.