In the early hours of Friday, the Cuban regime held an official ceremony for the 71st anniversary of the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks. The event, marked by a somber atmosphere, took place in Sancti Spíritus.
Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa stated that "the ideals for which Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada remain firm and unaltered among the people." Unintentionally, the politician acknowledged that six decades of dictatorship have achieved little, as the country's current situation is similar or even worse than in 1953.
According to Granma, the event was attended by 5,000 residents of Sancti Spíritus. However, there was no mention of the source of fuel required for such a large-scale activity, especially given the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba.
Key Figures Attend the Ceremony
The July 26th ceremony was led by Raúl Castro Ruz and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. Also present were Deivy Pérez Martín, First Secretary of the Party in Sancti Spíritus, and historical figures like Ramiro Valdés Menéndez and José Ramón Machado Ventura, among others.
The event also welcomed a group of 135 visitors from 24 countries, who participated in the communist political gathering that highlighted the revolutionary narrative, despite the growing challenges faced by the nation.
In his speech, Salvador Valdés emphasized "creative resistance" as a response to the alleged adversities caused by U.S. policies. However, he overlooked the government's responsibility for the severe economic and social crisis plaguing the country, where inefficiency and corruption have exacerbated the current hardships faced by Cubans.
The event began at 5:15 am in the Plaza de la Revolución Mayor General Serafín Sánchez and concluded at dawn. Five thousand attendees returned home to confront their daily struggles, but with a "sense of historical moment," "resilient," and hoping for a stroke of genius to make them "creative" enough to save the revolution from its imminent fate.
Cuban Regime's Ceremony for July 26th: Key Questions Answered
Given the significant historical and political context of the July 26th ceremony in Cuba, several questions arise about the event, its implications, and the current state of the nation. Below, we address some of the most pertinent inquiries.
Why is the July 26th ceremony significant in Cuba?
The July 26th ceremony commemorates the 1953 assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks, led by Fidel Castro. This event is a pivotal moment in Cuban revolutionary history and is celebrated annually by the regime.
Who attended the 2023 July 26th ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by key figures such as Raúl Castro Ruz, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, Deivy Pérez Martín, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, and José Ramón Machado Ventura, among others. Additionally, 135 visitors from 24 different nations were present.
What was the main message of Salvador Valdés Mesa's speech?
Salvador Valdés Mesa emphasized "creative resistance" against adversities, primarily attributing difficulties to U.S. policies. However, he did not address the Cuban government's role in the ongoing economic and social crisis.