A heartfelt community gathering in Argentina, jointly hosted by the Zona Norte (Northern Zone) Friendship with Cuba House and the venue’s operational leadership, brought local residents, public officials, and diplomatic representatives together to honor legendary Argentine soccer icon Diego Maradona on what would have been his 66th birthday. Far from a standard nostalgic tribute, the event was strategically designed to galvanize tangible support for the “We Are With Cuba” (Estamos con Cuba) grassroots campaign, which directs all raised funds to procure and deliver solar power systems for households and community facilities across the island nation.
Local city councilor Marcela Cortiellas, who also holds a leadership post within the Zona Norte Friendship House, emphasized the reciprocal nature of regional solidarity during her remarks to Prensa Latina. She noted that for decades, Cuba has extended unwavering aid and mutual support to Argentine communities and populations across Latin America during moments of crisis, and the current event was a long-overdue opportunity for Argentine citizens to stand in fraternal partnership with the Cuban people as they navigate severe economic and logistical hardships.
Luis Grana, the administrator of the host sports club, echoed that sentiment in his conversation with Prensa Latina, sharing his deep personal admiration for the Cuban population’s persistent resilience amid prolonged systemic challenges.
The highest-ranking Cuban diplomatic official in Argentina, Charge d’Affaires Leonardo Baster, took the stage to highlight the deeply personal, decades-long bond between Maradona and iconic Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, a relationship that became a beloved symbol of cross-regional solidarity for millions across the Americas. Baster pointed out the striking, widely unrecognized symbolic overlap in the two leaders’ legacies: both Maradona and Fidel Castro died on November 25, in separate years, meaning the upcoming 10th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s passing falls on the same calendar date that the global public mourns the loss of the soccer legend.
Rosario Cortes, another core leader of the Zona Norte Friendship House and one of the lead organizers of the birthday commemoration, explained that the event’s unique framing – using widespread public affection for Maradona as an entry point to educate local communities about Cuba’s current circumstances – was intentionally crafted to expand the circle of residents engaging with the solidarity campaign. “When we celebrate Diego’s life through an inclusive, open public gathering that lets every attendee feel connected to his legacy, we simultaneously draw them closer to the reality of the Cuban people. This approach helps us reach far more people who might never have otherwise learned about the island’s needs, and encourages them to join our collective support efforts,” she told Prensa Latina.
Argentines celebrate Maradona’s birthday and support Cuba
