Cuba has marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of former President and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro with a series of commemorative events in Havana.
The celebrations included a gala at the Karl Marx Theatre, book fairs, art exhibitions, concerts and gatherings involving left-wing organisations from across Latin America.
Castro, who was born on August 13, 1926, ruled Cuba for nearly five decades after leading the 1959 revolution. He transferred the presidency to his younger brother, Raúl Castro, in 2008 and remained an influential figure until his death in 2016.
Raúl Castro, the last surviving leader of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, attended Thursday’s centenary event in Havana and received a standing ovation from the audience.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also paid tribute to Fidel Castro, whose legacy continues to shape political life on the island.
The centenary comes as Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, worsened by US sanctions and other economic pressures. The government has struggled with shortages of fuel and other essential goods as it attempts to navigate growing economic difficulties.
Across Havana, Castro’s image remained visible, with Cubans attending commemorative events, purchasing books about his life and gathering at sites associated with his revolutionary legacy.
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