Hundreds of demonstrators displayed the flags of their parties, associations, movements, and unions alongside the Cuban flag during the solidarity protest. A notable feature was the large presence of young Italians, joined by activists from the Communist Network (Red de los Comunistas), Power to the People (Poder al Pueblo), Communist Refoundation (Refundación Comunista), and the Italian Communist Party.

Also participating were members of the Italy-Cuba National Friendship Association (ANAIC), the regional “Let Cuba Breathe” initiative, the Agency for Cultural and Economic Exchange with Cuba (AICEC), and the community of Cubans residing in the European nation, as well as members of the USB trade union (Unión Sindical de Base).

The drive, held under the slogan “Let’s keep the lights on for Cuba,” criticized Italy’s abstention during the July 7 vote at the United Nations General Assembly regarding a debate on the U.S. blockade against the Caribbean nation.

A report published on the *Il Faro di Roma* newspaper’s website, titled “Solidarity that breaks silence,” notes that this action shows that “while part of Europe continues to align itself with Washington’s geopolitical strategies, there is another Italy that refuses to accept silence, indifference, and subordination.”

It represents “the Italy of young people, students, workers, and grassroots democratic organizations that continue to mobilize alongside Cuba, recognizing its resistance as one of the highest expressions of the dignity of peoples,” states the text, authored by renowned economist and political activist Luciano Vasapollo.

The fact that Italian public squares are filled with Cuban flags today more than ever “represents a sign of hope,” as it demonstrates that “internationalism is not a thing of the past, but rather lives on in the consciousness of those who reject all forms of colonialism—whether old or new, military or economic,” the document adds.

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