International Workers Day Celebration in Havana
April 26 - May 3, 2025
Join the fascinating trip to Cuba sponsored by the women-led peace organization CODEPINK and ProximityCuba
Cuba has proven its hospitality to foreign visitors for decades. If you have never visited Cuba, now is the time do to do so, especially since the current U.S. administration may soon place new limits on travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens. If you have traveled to Cuba before, this is the right moment to continue supporting the Cuban people and to get an update on the recent economic and political transformations. And for everyone, there is no better time to visit the island than May 1, when hundreds of thousands of Cubans pour out into the streets to celebrate the international workers day.
This educational trip will focus on the current implementation of economic reforms and the complex political climate on the Island. We will meet with Cubans from all walks of life to get a better understanding of the reforms and how people understand socialism today. We will see first-hand, how the United States six-decade-long financial, economic and commercial warfare against Cuba is impacting the daily life of families and communities.
We will learn about the difficulties Cubans face in their daily lives and challenges brought by the expansion of the private and cooperative business sector. We will participate in debates about the path Cuba is taking and meet with people who have different political perspectives. We will visit creative grassroots projects, as well as innovative private and local government initiatives. We will visit a farmer's market and a health clinic. We will travel to the ecological and arts community Las Terrazas in the rural province of Artemisa and visit an agricultural cooperative to learn about food production. We will have an option to participate in the International Solidarity and Trade Union Conference at the Convention Palace. We will enjoy Cuban food in private, cooperative and state-owned restaurants, and have a chance to experience a variety of cultural activities and Cuban traditions that have made the island so famous. And of course, we will tour the beautiful squares and historic buildings of Old Havana.
This trip is designed for socially responsible travelers, peace activists, unions members, professionals, students, academics, small business entrepreneurs, cultural advocates and people who are just interested in learning about the political, social and cultural life of Cuba - and much more!
This Cuba program is legally designed for U.S. citizens to support the Cuban people and promote people-to-people exchange.
Cost starting at $1,485 (depending on the accommodations you choose) • Deadline to register April 1st, 2025
For questions and reserves via email contact rodrigo@proximitycuba.com
Deadline to register: April 1, 2025
Itinerary SHOW+
Friday, April 25
Optional early arrival for those travelers who would like extra rest before the program, or due to flight itinerary or better airfare. 5-stars hotel accommodations only for an extra $135 fee, please email us to request more information. We highly recommend it based on the airfare available for that season.
Saturday, April 26
Arrival in Havana (recommended arrival time 11:00 am thought 3 pm) • Airport Transfer to the hotel • Orientation Meeting • Welcome dinner
Sunday, April 27
City tour – Drive tour in Vedado and Miramar districts • Visit to the street cultural project Callejón de Hamel and meet with cultural activist Elias Asset • Lunch in Old Havana •
Walking tour in Old Havana. Overview of the current situation in Cuba with ProximityCuba resident director.
Monday, April 28
Visit the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) to learn about non-governmental organizations in Cuba and the people-to-people programs and meet with specialists on U.S.-Cuba relations • How is the government implementing the economic reforms in Cuba? Conference on the economic transformations with an university professor • Visit to the home and art studio of ceramist and painter José Fuster and learn about his art community project • Lunch at the art studio • Walk around the community and enjoy the art spread in Jaimanita community
What socialism means for Cubans today? Panel with Cuba young Cubans from all walks of life including college students, social-media activists, scientists and professionals.
Participate in the cannon firing Ceremony at 9 pm in La Cabaña Fortress
Tuesday, April 29
Travel to the province of Artemisa and visit to an agricultural cooperative • Meeting with representatives of the National Association of Small Farmers to discuss about organic farming and food production and distribution • Continue traveling to the ecological and arts community Las Terrazas and lunch at the Casa del Campesino. Meet with people from the community, local artists, small entrepreneurs and environmental activists.
Optional cultural activities upon return to Havana.
Wednesday, April 30
Visit a health clinic and meeting with officials at the Ministry of Public Health to learn about how the economic crisis and the U.S. blockade are impacting health indicators and how the government is responding. Visit to the farmers market in Vedado and lunch at a local restaurant.
Participate in the premier of the latest documentary by "Belly of the Beast" project, an innovating U.S. -based media outlet that tells Cuba's untold stories through hard-hitting journalism and stunning cinematography.
Evening optional cultural activities
Thursday, May 1 May Day Celebration
COSTS SHOW+
$1,485 sharing room and bathroom and $1,695 for a single room occupancy/private bathroom
Cost per traveler based on 25 minimal fully paid participants, with smaller enrollment a $100 fee increase will apply.
Program Cost Includes:
• Accommodations in a 5-stars Gran Muthu hotel in Havana for seven (7) nights;
• Breakfast every day and seven (7) additional meals (5 lunches and 2 dinners) and a cocktail party with Cuban guests;
• One (1) small water bottle per participant upon arrival at the airport;
• Ground transportation to and from the airport;
• Ground transportation for all scheduled activities in Havana, Cuba;
• Program coordination as it is indicated in the tentative itinerary;
• Entrance and program fees and expenses associated with scheduled activities;
• Guided visits and cultural activities included in the program;
• Fees/honoraria for professors, lecturers, and institutions including a donation to two community projects;
• Expenses for activities in Cuba including providers (coordinator, guides, drivers and others);
• Translations and expert guides
Program Cost does not include:
• Domestic and/or International flights airfare and travel expenses to and from US to Havana;
• Health Insurance (now it is included in the airfare);
• Cuban Visa;
• Meals and drinks not included in the program as indicated in the itinerary;
• Gratuities or Honoraria in addition to those included in the program cost;
• Personal items/expenses; or
• Optional and/or unscheduled activities
A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $500 must be made on April 1st, 2025 in order to secure your place in the program. The REMAINING BALANCE must be paid on April 11, 2025.
To be part of this program you may reserve a spot right now or complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION
PAYMENTS
A non-refundable deposit of $500 will be due APRIL 1, 2025 and it is required in order to secure requested program dates. The remaining balance must be paid in full on APRIL 11, 2025. If you want you can pay the full amount at once.
Deposits and payments are non-refundable. After the final payment date all funds are non-refundable. Should there be warnings concerning a city or country to which participants are scheduled to travel due to heightened safety or terror alerts, ProximityCuba will refund all program fees with exception of the deposits and funds paid to third parties to hold reservations or provide services.
- Check: Write it to International Outreach Educational Center (IOEC) 200 Saint Andrews Blvd. #3402, Winter Park, FL 32792
- Bank transfer: You can make a deposit to the Wells Fargo Bank. Account: IOEC # 7371472890, Routing for wire transfers # 121000248 and routing number for direct deposits and electronic payments: 063107513
- Online: If you would like to pay with a credit card, you can do so using PayPal. Since PayPal charges us a fee, YOU MUST INCLUDE IN YOUR PAYMENT the 3% service charge. Our email account is ioec@ioecenter.org
We suggest you to use the online way using PayPal to make more faster and easier your payment.
IMPORTANT: Payment using PayPal must be sent to ioec@ioecenter.org and please DO NOT include the word CUBA since automatically banks will put a hold on the payment due to the U.S. blockade
To be part of this program you may reserve a spot right now or complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION
*Please remember to always carefully review our TERMS AND CONDITIONS section before making any payment.
Want more information? You can check our Frequently Asked Questions FAQ section or CONTACT US, we will be more than happy to assist you.