CUBA Celebrates 70 years of the assault on the Moncada Barracks

HAVANA, Cuba,July 26, 2023 -  In the polygon of the old military fortress converted into a school by the Revolution, some 10,000 people from Santiago gathered to celebrate National Rebellion Day, accompanied by Army General Raúl Castro, one of the combatants of the heroic action.

Among the participants, also, commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdés, another of those involved in the epic that tried to “take heaven by assault” on that early morning of Carnival Sunday.

The first secretary of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, also led the commemoration, which began with a cultural presentation, in which the emblematic Santiago conga with its drums and its Chinese bugle imitated those festivities in the city.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel participated in the closing of the official acts in commemoration of the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes barracks that occurred on July 26, 1953.

“ "As long as the United States insists on trampling on our national unity, we will have a Moncada to assault," he said, referring to the revolutionary feat led by Fidel Castro on July 26, 1953. ”

On that date, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro and his brother Raul carried out an unprecedented action against the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista (1952-1959).

Although the revolutionaries failed in their attempt to seize the barracks and were captured, their audacity demonstrated that armed struggle was possible and inaugurated the beginning of a guerrilla war that would triumph years later. On that day, the July 26 Movement (M26) was born.

"A setback can become a great victory," Cuban President Diaz-Canel said, recalling the revolutionary feat that marked inspired generations of social fighters in Latin America.

Today, 70 years ago, the first bullet of the Cuban Revolution was fired in the assault on the Moncada Barracks led by Fidel Castro against the US-backed Fulgencio Batista dictatorship. The attack, aimed at capturing weapons, backfired, and most of the revolutionaries were killed… pic.twitter.com/PeKlVKjjfJ

— red. (@redstreamnet) July 26, 2023

Regarding the current situation in his country, Diaz-Canel severely criticized the U.S. blockade and described it as one of the main factors that have been limiting the economic development of Cuba for more than six decades.

"As long as the U.S. keeps its brutal and genocidal blockade and tries to trample on national dignity, we will have a Moncada to assault," he said, leading the commemoration of the Day of National Rebellion, which was held at the Moncada Garrison in the city of Santiago de Cuba.

#Argentina and the IMF reach an agreement in principle on debt repayment. pic.twitter.com/r2NDVFrPbr

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) July 26, 2023

Peoples National Party today sent best wishes

In the meantime, Jamaica's Opposition Peoples National Party today sent best wishes to the Cuban people as they celebrate the historical attack on the Moncada Barracks.

In a statement, the PNP said the party joins the people of Cuba in commemorating Moncada Day on July 26. Moncada Day marks a pivotal event in Cuba’s history that marked the beginning of their transformative journey towards liberation.

It signifies the beginning of a revolutionary journey that would eventually liberate Cuba from the shackles of oppression and pave the way for a new era of progress and social justice. We honour the courage of a young Fidel Castro and the team of revolutionaries, who were at the helm of the movement to oust the Batista regime in 1953.

Fidel Castro and his compatriots demonstrated unmatched bravery in their pursuit of justice, setting the stage for the transformative Cuban Revolution. The Cuban Revolution stands as an inspiration to oppressed people around the world, and its triumph would not have been possible without the bravery and determination of young revolutionaries who dared to dream of a better Cuba.

The remarkable achievements of the Cuban Revolution, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cuban people and their unwavering dedication to building a fair and just society. The tireless efforts of countless individuals who contributed to the revolution's success exemplify the power of collective action in bringing about transformative change.

In commemorating the legacy of Moncada Day, the People's National Party of Jamaica stands in solidarity with Cuba, in recognizing the remarkable advancements made in healthcare, education, and social welfare. We also extend our unwavering support to the continued progress of Cuba, valuing the spirit of international cooperation and camaraderie.

We send our best wishes to the Cuban people on this momentous occasion. May this day serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit that can overcome adversity and usher in a brighter future. Let us celebrate the legacy of Moncada Day and strive together for a world that upholds the values of justice, equality, and solidarity.

Written with inputs from Prensa Latina and teleSUR.