Many of the images we have of Cuba remain frozen in time. But with the periodo especial -- or special period, triggered by the early 1990s collapse of the Soviet Union and the disappearance of its generous subsidies -- now behind it, the island has not stopped evolving.
Marcelo Ballvé traveled to Cuba last December, just before the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution, and documented the trip for World Politics Review. This Photo Feature accompanies his three-part series. Part I can be found here. Part II can be found here. Part III can be found here.
A woman stands in the main square of Santiago, Cuba as it's prepared for celebrations marking the revolution's 50th anniversary (Marcelo Ballvé).
A nighttime scene in Santiago, Cuba's second largest city (Marcelo Ballvé).
A car passes by the Cuban Capitol building in Havana (Marcelo Ballvé).