As he has in the past, Castro has effectively stirred the country's strong sense of nationalism with the idea of its old nemesis, the United States, playing Goliath to Cuba's David. Elian was found Nov. 25 by two sport fishermen, two days after the boat carrying him, his mother, stepfather and other Cubans sank during an apparent attempt to reach the United States. Elian's father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez, says his ex-wife did not get his permission to take the boy out of Cuba, and wants him back. Elian's Miami relatives say they can give him a better life in the United States. In Castro's campaign for the boy's return, young Cubans play a leading role.
Many people attend because they feel strongly about the case or think it is their civic duty.
Others go because of the festive atmosphere at the events, often featuring popular musicians like Silvio Rodriguez or Compay Segundo. Not all Havana residents are enthused about being bused by the government to yet another demonstration outside the U.S. Interests Section. At one recent protest, hundreds of people were seen picking up posters and leaving immediately after arrival. But younger children have been affected by the stories about Elian, according to many Cubans. His plight is discussed in classrooms across the nation, where teachers use it to underscore the differences between socialist and capitalist societies.