Two Cuban political activists staged a protest at the birthplace of Fidel Castro's father in Galicia, Spain, which was converted into a museum last year to showcase his life before emigrating to Cuba. Arianna Sierra Herrera and Avana de la Torre appeared at the museum, unfurling the flag representing Cuban political prisoners just hours before an official event on August 13th commemorating Fidel's birthday.
"When we arrived at Ángel Castro's house, we saw the museum was open. Inside, I was able to open the flag and express my feelings and thoughts. Once again, we were one step ahead because they are going to hold a celebration and activity there with many people from the dictatorship, and amidst their symbols, we opened the flag representing Cuba's situation," explained Avana de la Torre, who is exiled in Italy, to Martí Noticias.
"This year, I prepared a box labeled 'Going to the Donkey's Birth' and inside, I placed the 'Pandora's Box'. This box contains documentation of all the businesses the Castros own, all the scholarships their grandchildren receive abroad, and all the money they waste. I opened the box and showed some things to expose this plague because they are not just a family," she emphasized.
While Avana was outside the house showing images of the luxurious lives led by the Castro family members on the island, a Cuban supporter of the regime approached to confront her, accusing her of lying. "You have to leave me in peace, you have to let me say and do whatever I want because I live in a democracy," the activist retorted.
Avana and Arianna, who resides in Belgium, took advantage of their journey along the Camino de Santiago—a route traversing various points in Europe to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, where the tomb of the apostle Santiago is located—to denounce the situation of political prisoners in Cuba.
The birthplace of Ángel Castro, father of the Castro Ruz family, is located in Láncara, in the municipality of Lugo. There, socialist authorities inaugurated the Ángel Castro House Museum in a ceremony attended by Emma Castro Ruz, the youngest of the migrant's children who lives in Mexico, and her niece Mariela Castro Espín. Raúl Castro sent a letter, read by Mariela, thanking for the invitation and recalling his visits in 2005 and his brother Fidel's in 1992 after attending the Barcelona Olympics and the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Castro Family Museum Protest
In light of the recent protest by Cuban activists at the Castro family's birthplace museum, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to provide more context and information.
Why did the Cuban activists protest at the Castro family museum?
The activists aimed to highlight the plight of Cuban political prisoners and expose the luxurious lifestyles of the Castro family members while criticizing the Cuban regime.
Who are Arianna Sierra Herrera and Avana de la Torre?
Arianna Sierra Herrera and Avana de la Torre are Cuban political activists. Avana is exiled in Italy, while Arianna resides in Belgium. They are vocal critics of the Cuban regime.
What is the significance of the Camino de Santiago in this context?
The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The activists used their journey along this route to raise awareness about the situation in Cuba.