Palma Soriano was a humble town of some 10 or 15 thousand inhabitants. I knew just about everyone by name, including the beggars who would often visit our house. My mother would give them food, clothing, and a one centavo piece every Saturday. There was an old Arab woman—the aunt of one of our housegirls—who would complain bitterly unless my mother gave her two centavos. This doesn't seem like a lot, but two centavos could buy a pound of sugar in those days.
                    — Elsa Sariol

Photo: May 20th parade in 1952, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban Republic.

Girl with newspaper, Palma Soriano, 1952