作者： admin

HAVANA – The historic Torch March, a century-old tradition symbolizing Cuba’s anti-imperialist resistance, once again transformed Havana’s streets into a flowing symphony of light on Tuesday evening. This annual ritual represents more than mere ceremony—it embodies the materialization of countless personal commitments coalescing into a powerful public declaration.

The procession originates not in organized spectacle but in private dedication. Each torch is first kindled in imagination before being physically constructed in courtyards, workshop tables, and homes across the city. This initial spark evolves into a manifestation of collective will transformed into radiant light, where personal conviction merges with common purpose to create what participants describe as ‘a geography of warmth and purpose.’

As darkness recedes before the advancing tide of flames, the night accepts the ritualistic progression. The march serves as both symbolic gesture and active declaration—a testament to the principles and courage of previous generations honored through this tradition. Participants emphasize that the significance lies not merely in carrying torches but in forming the tightly-knit community marching beneath their glow, sharing in their radiant, inviting warmth.

Confronting what organizers characterize as ‘the old enemy threatening the homeland,’ the event symbolizes the ongoing struggle requiring both illuminating and purifying fire. The march incorporates the anti-imperialist ideology of Cuba’s founding fathers into living tradition, creating a space of pure presence where beauty manifests and becomes embedded in the city’s collective memory.

While the grandiose image of an illuminated crowd creates powerful imagery, participants suggest the most enduring aspect may be the sequential lighting of torches—passing flame from friend to neighbor, ensuring nothing extinguishes along the route. The night’s testimony becomes generational certainty: like hope itself, the fire persists.

Despite facing severe economic constraints exacerbated by longstanding trade restrictions, Cuba’s healthcare system has achieved a remarkable 80% survival rate for pediatric cancer patients through innovative protocols and government commitment. This impressive milestone was highlighted during the eighth humanitarian donation from the US-based Hatuey Project (Health Advocates in Truth, Unity and Empathy) to the island nation.

At the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) headquarters, project coordinator Gloria La Riva presented a substantial shipment of medical supplies and medications destined for pediatric oncology units at Havana’s Juan Manuel Márquez Hospital and Villa Clara’s José Luis Miranda Hospital. The donation will also support maternity facilities across the island.

Dr. Carlos Alberto Martínez Blanco, head of the Cancer Control Section at Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health, acknowledged the critical challenges healthcare professionals face in maintaining treatment standards without access to first-line medications and advanced technologies due to trade limitations.

The ceremony was attended by ICAP President Fernando González Llort, a Hero of the Republic, where La Riva declared the project’s unwavering solidarity: “We are committed to Cuba forever. We know that Cuba will not give in, it will not surrender, and neither will we. There are many people in the United States who support and love Cuba.”

The event also served as a platform to condemn the US government’s continued inclusion of Cuba on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, which participants described as “infamous and false.” The Hatuey Project reaffirmed its stance alongside the Cuban people in opposing what they characterized as imperialist policies that compound healthcare challenges.

Havana’s Revolution Square has been home to an iconic tribute to Cuban national hero José Martí since January 27, 1996, when revolutionary leader Fidel Castro inaugurated the monumental complex at the base of the square’s towering obelisk. Recognized as the world’s largest monument dedicated to Martí, the memorial stands as both an architectural marvel and a profound symbol of Cuban national identity.

The concept for this permanent tribute originated with Fidel Castro Ruz, who championed the idea of creating a dedicated space to honor the intellectual architect behind the Moncada Barracks assault. The project gained momentum during 1995, coinciding with the centenary of Martí’s death in combat, ultimately materializing as the impressive structure that dominates Havana’s urban landscape.

During the inaugural ceremony, Castro expressed profound satisfaction with the realization of this vision, noting: “One feels satisfaction that a man like him has received such a beautiful, aesthetic tribute. The combination of everything here is truly beautiful. The design has been excellent, so now we have a Memorial, which we thought we had, because there was a Monument and the star. I think many people will come to see it; there will not be a citizen who does not come to this place.”

The memorial complex encompasses not only the striking obelisk but also an extensive museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting valuable historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle Martí’s life and intellectual legacy. More than just an architectural achievement, the institution serves as a living testament to Martí’s enduring influence on Cuban revolutionary thought and national consciousness.

Three decades after its establishment, the José Martí Memorial continues to function as both an educational center and a pilgrimage site for Cubans and international visitors alike. Its dual significance—combining majestic physical presence with deep historical resonance—cements its status as one of Cuba’s most important cultural and patriotic landmarks, ensuring that Martí’s philosophical contributions remain accessible to future generations.