“Receive this July 26th my affection and recognition for having earned, through your effort, dedication to the revolutionary cause, and creative work, the great honor of hosting the main event for the 73rd anniversary of the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes garrisons,” the leader of the Cuban Revolution wrote in a message.

From the Plaza de la Revolucion in Pinar del Rio, the Caribbean island commemorated the date, considered the initial spark that awakened national consciousness and paved the way for the Socialist Revolution that triumphed on January 1, 1959.

The ceremony, presided over by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and the country’s highest authorities, was especially motivated by the celebration of the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.

Diaz-Canel affirmed that Cuba is waging “a historic battle, a new Moncada” against the genocidal policies of the United States. He also highlighted the daily heroism of the Cuban people “amid blackouts and shortages of all kinds.”

He congratulated Pinar del Rio for its achievements in fulfilling key tasks in the political, economic, and social spheres, with the leading role played by workers, farmers, intellectuals, and young people. For her part, the secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Yamile Ramos, affirmed that the people of Pinar del Rio embraced the celebration of National Rebellion Day with great enthusiasm.

“The spirit of July 26th lives on in the memory and in the hands of a people with heads held high and firm. It accompanies us in every difficult dawn, like a beacon that guides us to continue on the path of dignity,” the official stated.

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