MARIPOSA BRIGADE
in collaboration with
About the Brigade
The Mariposa Brigade is a solidarity delegation traveling from Canada to Cuba to deliver critical medical aid, learn directly from Cuban communities, participate in global solidarity actions, and build meaningful relationships across movements.
Cuba is a beacon of international solidarity. Their doctors save lives. Their scientists created five COVID vaccines. But after decades of a cruel U.S. embargo (or bloqueo) tightened during the pandemic, they lack the tools to keep going. Hospitals in Havana are performing miracles with expired gauze. Homes go dark for hours because there is no fuel to run generators. Families can't charge life-saving medical devices.
We refuse to look away. This October, we are sending a delegation to Cuba. We aren't going to lecture. We are going to support, observe, and carry boxes.
The Brigade serves two key purposes: demonstrating Canadian support for Cuba's struggle to maintain its independence and providing Canadians with an opportunity to understand the dynamic realities of Cuban life. Brigadistas are warmly welcomed by Cubans, who see their presence as a reaffirmation of the global importance of their revolutionary social changes.
The Mariposa Brigade is a project of CodePink Ontario, the Canadian Network on Cuba, WECAN (Windsor Essex Cuban Action Network), and ICAP (Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos), dedicated to building bridges of friendship and solidarity between Canada and Cuba.
Support the Mariposa Brigade
Canada2Cuba with Love — every donation buys a physical box of high-demand medical supplies that bypasses the blockade through Canada's legal humanitarian channel.
When you donate, you aren't just "giving money." You are buying a physical box of high-demand medical supplies (sutures, catheters, antibiotics, bandages) that bypasses the blockade through Canada's legal humanitarian channel. We also need to purchase solar panels and portable chargers to leave behind. Because when the grid fails, a solar charger means a diabetic's insulin stays cold. It means a grandmother's oxygen concentrator keeps running.
Supplies can also be directly purchased and shipped here — Central America Cargo
Program
The Brigade offers a diverse range of activities designed to immerse participants in Cuban culture, history, and daily life, while building connections and solidarity.
We'll visit schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, sports centers, science labs, and more to learn firsthand from workers and community members about their challenges and successes. We will engage with Cuban medical staff and facilities as well as Palestinian medical students. We'll also connect with international activists and cultural figures, and spend time with RedAfroTrans, an Afrocuban queer/trans organization.
The Brigade travels throughout Old Havana to explore its stunning landscapes and rich history through guided city tours, visits to historical sites, and iconic landmarks, offering a deeper understanding of the island's culture and character. We will experience Cuban culture through music, art, and community spaces.
We will engage in community clean-up initiatives and deliver critical medical aid supplies directly to clinics and communities. We are prioritizing luggage space for medical aid supplies, and participants can donate their checked baggage space to carry supplies.
We will hear from Cuban speakers about current conditions, engage with local communities, and participate in global solidarity actions. Conditions in Cuba can be unpredictable, so schedules may change. Please come with flexibility, patience, and a collective mindset.
Costs and Registration
Since all direct flights are grounded, we are now booking through Copa Airlines and all participants must individually purchase flight tickets. Ticket prices vary based on time of purchase and type of ticket purchased. Estimated cost $800 to $1300 CAD per person
Arrive 3 hours early
Location: Toronto Pearson Airport
Final door will be confirmed before departure
Will be confirmed October 1st 2026.
Private Casa — approximate price is $150–$200 CAD for the entire stay per person.
Estimated itinerary for the week: $770 per person (we are working to reduce that cost) — includes meals, transportation and all activity fees.
Strict limit:
We are prioritizing space for medical aid supplies, so please pack light.
Registration is open until October 1st. Sign up to receive updates, confirm your spot, and get details about the delegation.
Register for the Brigade →
FAQ
Depending on the dates you may encounter additional fees for transportation. Please reach out to the Brigade coordinator if you must travel outside of the Brigade dates.
Free time is planned into the Brigade but it is not extensive as our program is packed with activities. We will make sure you have a bit of free time to explore Old Havana. For safety and liability reasons, you must remain with the Brigade group throughout the trip.
You are welcome to bring your family with you but please understand that the Brigade program is developed for adults. Our days are long and busy and there is a lot of walking throughout the trip. Please reach out if you intend to bring any young children.
We do our best to ensure the Brigade is accessible to as many people as possible but there are some limitations beyond our control. We pack a lot into the day and we do a fair bit of walking during some activities. Our bus will have a big step to get in and out and we cannot guarantee elevator access at all places we stay and visit. Please connect with the Brigade coordinator directly if you have any concerns.
If you want to have cell service while in Cuba we recommend connecting with your phone provider about international roaming plans. Access to wifi and Cuban SIM cards is limited. Canadian phone plans do work — contact your mobility supplier to add international data. You may be able to purchase time cards for wifi access at ETECSA offices or at our hotel. If connectivity is important to you we strongly recommend talking to your phone provider about roaming services in Cuba.
Power outages have become increasingly more common in Cuba as it is difficult for them to import oil and gas. Throughout the trip we are likely to experience this in a multitude of ways such as temporary black outs in our accommodations, low power availability for charging devices, and long trips for our bus driver in pursuit of gas. We recommend bringing a flashlight or solar lantern, portable charger (solar preferred), and we do not recommend bringing hot tools or laptops.
U.S. dollars are widely accepted (must be clean and undamaged). Bring small bills. Credit/debit cards do NOT work. Cuban pesos may be available if needed. We encourage you to spend money locally to support Cuban people. Tipping is important and appreciated — suggested ~$1 or more per interaction. Bring small bills.
Be prepared for blackouts, limited resources, mosquitoes, and heat and humidity. The hotel has a generator, but outages may still affect us. Expect a lot of walking — streets can be uneven, wear comfortable shoes. Other transportation options for those with mobility issues include pedicabs, electric tricycles, and coco taxis.
Have any questions? Get in touch!
