A mother from the province of Guantánamo received a gift basket after giving birth to her baby on the birthday of the dictator Fidel Castro. The basket, provided by workers from the Territorial Division of the Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA) in Guantánamo, was given to the first birth at the Agostinho Neto General Teaching Hospital.
Although the official announcement did not detail the contents of the gift, photos shared online showed that the basket included baby clothes, shoes, and other essential items for the newborn. This is just one of many activities carried out in Cuba to idolize the image of the dictator who ruled for 47 years and paradoxically caused the separation of many Cuban families.
Events in Honor of Fidel Castro
Last Saturday, 74 swimmers reenacted the Cruce de la Bahía de Matanzas, an open water event "motivated by Fidel Castro." The swimmers departed from the old Port Captaincy to Playa el Tenis, completing a 2.5-kilometer course. The race was won by Alberto Javier Oliveros Pérez, an engineer at ETECSA in that province.
According to the official broadcaster Radio 26, the winner expressed that the event "is a challenge to the human will to overcome, a sentiment instilled in various generations of Cubans by the Commander-in-Chief Fidel, who defied his time and led a triumphant Revolution in January 1959."
Another example was a "voluntary" work event held in the Haydee Santamaría Popular Council. Images showed leaders weeding propaganda billboards of the Revolution and the Moncada Barracks attackers, located on the Siboney Road. These tasks, more symbolic than productive, highlight the forced nature of an activity presented as "voluntary."
Additionally, young communists from the Isla de la Juventud special municipality camped at Arenas Negras to await the dictator's birthday. These examples reflect the regime's persistence in paying tribute to the architect of the island's ongoing crisis, although his followers find it hard to acknowledge.
Key Questions About Fidel Castro's Legacy in Cuba
Given the ongoing tributes to Fidel Castro in Cuba, many may have questions about his legacy and its impact on the country. Here are some important questions and answers on this topic.
What are some common activities in Cuba to honor Fidel Castro?
Common activities include gift distributions, sporting events, voluntary work, and camping trips, all designed to celebrate Castro's legacy.
How has Fidel Castro's rule impacted Cuban families?
Castro's long rule has led to significant separation among Cuban families, largely due to political and economic conditions that prompted many to leave the country.
Why do some Cubans still honor Fidel Castro despite the country's ongoing crises?
Despite current challenges, some Cubans honor Castro because of the enduring propaganda and the belief in the ideals he promoted, which are deeply ingrained in the country's culture and education system.