MIAMI — Cuban nationals and Cuban Americans in Miami gathered at the FPL Amphitheater, united by one hope -- that people on the island will soon be free.
“Everyone is here together hoping for the same thing and praying for the same thing,” said Valeria Barraza, a Cuban American.
The event, hosted by the City of Miami and local community groups, is drawing support and prayers from outside of the Cuban community.
“These people here are interceding. They’re praying. They’re praying for their families,” said Julio Santa, who supports Cuban freedom.
Santa, who is Mexican, said his connection to Cuba runs deep because of his stepfather.
“It’s a privilege. It’s an honor to be here from another nationality to support the Cuban people,” he said.
The gathering comes as people in Cuba continue to face severe economic hardship, amid an ongoing energy crisis, limited resources and political tensions with the U.S. government.
“My mom still has a cousin over there and things are not good, at all. It’s pretty bad,” said Cuban American Nataly Fernandez.
For families like the Fernandezes, the moment is personal, with hopes their prayers will be answered.
“We’re hoping so because my grandfather died last year waiting for it to be free,” Fernandez said.
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