On the occasion of the deep pain of our people in the face of the unfortunate accident that occurred at the Saratoga Hotel on May 6, in which 44 compatriots and one Spanish citizen have lost their lives to date, and after the rescue actions were completed, the President of the Republic of Cuba agreed to decree an OFFICIAL MOURNING from 06:00 on May 13 until 12:00 at night on May 14.
During the validity of the OFFICIAL MOURNING, the Lone Star Flag must be hoisted at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions.
In correspondence with the OFFICIAL MOURNING decreed by the President of the Republic, comrade Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez, the Ministry of Culture announced the suspension of all cultural events and public activities scheduled for Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, throughout the country, including those related to the International Book Fair in the western region.
With this decision, the institutional system of Culture, along with its writers, artists and other workers, adds to the deep pain of our people in the face of the unfortunate accident that occurred at the Hotel Saratoga on May 6, in which they have lost the life, so far, 44 compatriots and a Spanish citizen.
We also convey through this statement our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the people who died in such a painful accident.
Taken from Granma.