HAVANA, Cuba. – Everything seems empty when you look at Havana’s Revolution Square from Zapata Street. Paseo, the avenue of the great concentrations in Cuba, does not presuppose anything extraordinary.

But that look is deceiving, because when you walk further down, a little before reaching the National Theater you begin to appreciate a feverish activity.

This morning they rehearse some moments of the parade planned for this May 1st. Beyond these practices, the whole audio system is ready and television also puts the final touches on the system that will guarantee the transmissions of the event.

Fire trucks and ambulances are already in the parking lot of the nearby theater in anticipation of any accident. But the center of the movement is lower, in front of the tribune of the Square, where musicians and the traditional workers’ chorus are ready.

A Febrile Activity

Laughs, fragments of songs and sounds of musical instruments are mixed this morning in the esplanade located in front of the tribune in the Revolution Square in Havana. The brass band of the General Staff rehearses together with a giant choir.

On the small bridge linking Paseo Avenue with the Square, a group of high school students carry a gigantic fabric proclaiming: The Cuban people will win. They are responsible for opening the parade for Workers’ Day and rehearse the step so that everything goes perfectly.

No one is idle in that place because everyone knows that tomorrow´s success depends on today’s preparation. This Tuesday there will be no time for rehearsal, or space for improvisation, because there will be thousands in the Revolution Square, a stage that is practically ready.