Havana, December 27 (RHC)-- The 36th Southern Cross Brigade of solidarity with Cuba arrives in Cuba December 27th, organized by friendship societies in Australia and New Zealand, in coordination with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).

According to the website of the solidarity organization, the three week trip, running through January 16th, gives Australians and New Zealanders, of all ages and backgrounds, the chance to understand Cuba’s unique, yet often misunderstood, political history and to participate in Cuba’s rich cultural heritage. 

Caravanistas will participate, alongside the Cuban people, in celebrations on the 60th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.
While on the island, they will tour hospitals, schools, urban agriculture projects, historical sites and they will also spend five mornings alongside Cuban farmers doing agricultural activities such as fruit picking, pruning or planting.

The first brigade from Australia to Cuba was named the Eureka Brigade and left Australia in December 1983, returning in January of 1984. After this, New Zealanders were also invited and the brigade became known as the Southern Cross Brigade.  The 2018-19 Southern Cross Brigade will mark 36 continuously running annual brigades from Australia and New Zealand to Cuba.