Cuba remembers today the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, eight years after his physical disappearance, while ratifying his imprint in the permanent battle to defend national sovereignty and independence.

The anniversary comes in the midst of the country’s extraordinary efforts to recover from the recent scourge of two hurricanes and several earthquakes, which highlight the cohesion, patriotic commitment and the value of solidarity that Fidel Castro brought to the process of transformation that began in 1959 under his leadership.

Such efforts are also taking place in the context of the updating of the Cuban economic model, against a backdrop of an unprecedented intensification of the US blockade and financial persecution policy, and the US-driven media war aimed at subverting the revolutionary process on the island.

Hence, beyond the image of the bearded man in his olive green uniform that turned Fidel Castro into a symbol of Cuban and universal rebellion, these days his legacy is being invigorated throughout the country through productive activities and talks on his life, work and thought, among other activities.

This day, the steps of the University of Havana will be the venue for the youth’s homage to the revolutionary leader, through a political and cultural evening that will celebrate the validity of his example in the daily struggles of the Cuban people.

For their part, the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba and the Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas dedicated last Saturday to Fidel Castro a national day of voluntary work, which commemorated the 65th anniversary of the first call for this initiative aimed at promoting productive tasks and fostering labour awareness.

Journalists, civil servants, workers and people who had a direct relationship with the revolutionary leader also told anecdotes to the new generations about those encounters that marked their lives and allowed them to see the real dimensions and magnetism of the man who is considered one of the great protagonists of 20th century history and politics.

In the midst of the tensions that mark international relations today, the Cuban Revolution’s position in defence of the world’s just causes in the face of the great powers’ attempts to perpetuate their hegemony, and the need for peace, is also reaffirmed these days.

The day before, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez recalled on the social network X Fidel Castro’s vision on this issue with a phrase from the Cuban leader:

«We are enemies of war, and it is the imperialists who impose wars on humanity. And the stronger they feel, the more dangerous they are. And that is why every people that fights for its sovereignty and independence defends peace.