A significant commemorative event in Rome celebrated the profound historical connections between Cuba and Italy through the extraordinary life of Gino Doné, an Italian partisan who became a Cuban revolutionary. The gathering, orchestrated by the Cuban Embassy in Italy, served as a poignant reminder of shared struggles for justice and freedom.
Ambassador Mirta Granda presided over the ceremony, which coincided with the 79th anniversary of the Granma yacht’s landing—a pivotal moment in Cuban history when 82 revolutionaries sailed from Mexico’s port of Tuxpan to initiate the final phase of Cuba’s liberation struggle. The ambassador characterized Doné’s life as “one of the most sublime symbols of the brotherhood of our peoples,” emphasizing how common ideals forge unbreakable bonds between nations.
The centerpiece of the December 2nd event was the presentation of the biographical work “The Life of Gino Done, Italian Partisan and Cuban Revolutionary.” Ambassador Granda extended gratitude to diverse attendees representing various sectors of Italian society with connections to Cuba, plus members of the Cuban expatriate community in Italy.
The diplomatic official particularly acknowledged the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (Anaic) for spearheading this initiative and praised the dedication of co-authors Pier Carlo Porporato (Anaic member) and Daily Sanchez Lemus (Cuban journalist and historian) in bringing this important historical account to fruition.
The ceremony featured video contributions from prominent Cuban figures: Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP); René González Barrios, director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center; and co-author Sánchez Lemus. Each highlighted Doné’s remarkable journey from fighting fascism in Europe to joining Cuba’s revolutionary movement.
A particularly emotional anecdote recalled Doné’s final meeting with Fidel Castro in 2005 during commemorations for the 52nd anniversary of the assaults on Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks. Their heartfelt embrace culminated in Doné’s pledge: “I will be with you until the last drop of my blood.” His subsequent request—that his remains eventually rest in Cuba alongside his Granma comrades—underscored his eternal devotion to the Cuban cause.