Cubans gather in Miami-Dade to celebrate heritage, culture amid rising political tensions

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Inside the Miami-Dade County Fairground, a celebration of Cuban heritage and culture was held on Sunday, transforming the building into the streets of Havana.

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“We need to maintain our culture, even when Cuba is free,” said Peter Regalado, Executive Director of CubaHostalgia.

The event coming as political tensions between the U.S. and Cuba continue to deteriorate, with Axios reporting Cuba has acquired 300 military drones.

“What we know is that Cuba has always been a national security threat,” said U.S. Rep Carlos Gimenez. “This is another piece of evidence that demonstrates the national security threat that Cuba is.”

Government officials in Cuba are said to be discussing potential attacks on a U.S. base, military vessels, and Key West.

“They apparently have money to buy drones, but they don’t have enough money to but fuel, feed their people,” said Gimenez.

Gimenez says there is no intel to suggest an eminent threat just yet.

This as Cuba’s power blackouts are worsening on the island, with the Cuban government saying it has run out of oil.

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“I think it’s very sad,” said native Cuban Ralph Duarte. “I honestly think it’s more than a rolling blackout. It’s a full-time blackout. I have family over there and they are going through hell.”

Protest have been flaring up around Havana, while in the U.S., the Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to indict former Cuban president and brother to Fidel Castro, 94-year-old Raul Castro, for his alleged role in the deadly shoot-down of two humanitarian planes 30 years ago.

“The family members deserve justice,” said Gimenez. “Even if its justice delayed, it’s justice. Raul Castro needs to pay the price.”

There are still many in South Florida who remain hopeful for a brighter future for the island nation.

“For us, it’s hurts, but we have to wait and see what happens,” said SOMEONE. “I hope Marco is there pushing to get something done.”

As for Castro’s possible indictment, many believe that could come as early as Wednesday, which is when the acting U.S. Attorney General will be in Miami.

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