‘Feliciadades’ - The Word the Taunts the Official Sobriety

'Feliciadades': The Word the Taunts the Official Sobriety

14ymedio, Havana, 24 December 2016 — Few details reveal that it is
Christmastime for Cubans. The austerity imposed this year-end, promoted
from the Government due the recent death of former President Fidel
Castro, but also because of the economic situation that has citizens
worried. Faced with high food prices many opt for more low-key celebrations.

However, the word "felicidades" is heard everywhere in the streets. As
if it were a "watchword," Cubans offer good wishes accompanied with a
complicit smile when they pronounce the word. Is it a way to mock the
official sobriety? A sign of the desire not to let the Christmas
festivities fade completely away?

Said in an undertone, shouted balcony to balcony, or intoned to the
rhythm of Mexican music, like the "mariachi" in the photo, the phrases
of this happy greeting take the place of the lack of garlands, the few
houses in Cuban streets that display seasonal lights, and the absence of
public dancing, otherwise typical of this time of year.

Source: 'Feliciadades': The Word the Taunts the Official Sobriety –
Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/feliciadades-the-word-the-taunts-the-official-sobriety/