Each year the Malta Cuba group participates in two international events in Cuba, namely the “May Brigade” and the “Jose Marti Brigade”. The May Brigade takes place between April and May of each year, whilst the Jose Marti Brigade takes place in July.
The Brigades consists of groups from the solidarity and socio-political organisations of several European countries mostly youths. For the May Brigade participation is also from youths all over the world. Members of the Brigade spend three weeks in Caimito – Havana as a ‘Brigadista’, working and socialising with Cubans and people from all across Europe. It is a unique opportunity to experience the Cuban Revolution first-hand and show that Cuba is not alone.
This camp is ideal for students, youths, teachers, political activists and those wanting a different experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to see and experience the real Cuba:
-Visit and work in the Cuban agricultural system
-Learn Spanish and Salsa
-Carry out voluntary work
-Visit primary and secondary schools, art schools, universities and gymnasiums
-Meet social and political organisations
-Meet many International Cuban-solidarity organisations
-Visit hospitals and clinics
-Try authentic Cuban cigars, rum and tropical food
-Visit museums, galleries and beaches
-Get involved in a range of cultural activities
-See and discuss the Cuban political system
-Visit food, tobacco, rum and other small industry factories
-Participation in any of the events is non-obligatory.
Brigadistas also take part in a full programme of activities including educational and political events plus visits to hospitals and schools to see for yourself the successes of the Revolution. Entertainment is provided at the camp with live bands and dance lessons, whilst excursions to some of Cuba’s fantastic beaches and places of interest are organised. The brigadistas will also stay a weekend at a hotel in Pinar del Rio, an adjacent province to Havana, which also has its distinct characteristics from Havana.
For more information and the latest programme, one can contact Mr Andre’ Damato on Mobile 7937 0523 or Mr Mario Mifsud on Mobile 7928 3716 or via email maltacuba@gmail.com
The cost of the whole package is 576.00 CUC. These includes: accommodation in shared rooms up to 6 people (in the case of Julio Antonio Mella International Camp, CIJAM); single, double or triple rooms (depending on availability at the hotel) in Camagüey; with full board (all three meals); airport transfers (in–out) and transportation to all the activities included in the program.
Since the CIJAM maximum capacity of lodging is 220 people, it is important to receive confirmation of your participation in this brigade in the established timeframe. After completing this capacity, the late received confirmations of participants will have a different accommodation alternative with a higher cost.
The program includes 14 nights of stay: out of them 10 at the Julio Antonio Mella International Camp (CIJAM), located in the Caimito municipality, some 45 Km from Havana, and 4 nights in a hotel in Camagüey province.