It was re-established by the Cuban Communist Party 29 years after it was abolished by President Fidel Castro. U.S. government offices, banks, schools, post offices and financial markets will be closed for Christmas.
Most foreign markets are also closed.
Queen Elizabeth II's annual Christmas message to Britain and the Commonwealth nations is scheduled in London. On Saturday, December 26, Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday, begins. On Monday, December 28, President Clinton is scheduled to address an event on the economy in Washington. On Tuesday, December 29, peace activists from 16 countries are scheduled to hold an anti-war conference in New Delhi, India. On Wednesday, December 30, President and Mrs. Clinton are scheduled to leave for Hilton Head, South Carolina.