Fidel Castro, Cuba’s longtime leader, died on November 25. His funeral took place in Santiago de Cuba on December 4 after a four-day procession through his island nation.

National Geographic photographer David Guttenfelder tracked the procession, traveling either just ahead of or just behind it. The convoy carried Castro’s remains in a small, flag-covered coffin inside a modest glass trailer.

Guttenfelder said it was clear Cuba was in mourning and “highly encouraged” by the government to express its collective grief.

“It was definitely a subdued event,” he said, referring to the procession. “There was no alcohol for sale and no clubs open.”

The government organized the procession so that every road would be lined with people as it passed by. In some cases, rural