Cubans Have 1,000 Reasons to Party
Solid economic development and expansion of social programs are, in the words of a popular song, some of the "thousand reasons" for Cubans to party this year.

The merrymaking began in December with the prestigious international jazz and cinema festivals, and continued at the end of the month with the unprecedented positive reports to the National Assembly, particularly those in economy.

Economy Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez´ figures showed the ongoing recovery of the Cuban economy -no longer just resisting and surviving but now advancing- that included the important data of social and ethical development.

Among these are health, education, sports and culture, which in other countries are the first budget victims, through fault of ideology and capitalism.

Not only self-concerned, Cuba plans to continue its altruistic services to other nations, notably the thousands of physicians, paramedics, teachers and other specialists that volunteer in other countries to further the philosophy that humans value more than profit.

Indeed there are many reasons for Cubans to celebrate this year, not least the confident, happy Cuban musicians, such as Hayla Mompie, La Charanga Habanera, Los Van Van, rappers and hip-hop performers who, 47 years after the triumph of the Revolution, sound out that another world is possible.