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On the morning of August 17, 1870, in Santiago de Cuba, the dawn was shattered by the roll of drums. The Regiment of the Crown, with their polished boots and Remington rifles, assembled in the Plaza de Dolores. Their mission was clear: the execution of the insurgent leaders at the old slaughterhouse, a site that had witnessed the demise of many independence dreams. Among the condemned was Major General Pedro Felipe Figueredo Cisneros, known as Perucho, a key figure in the Cuban independence movement and the composer of the Cuban National Anthem, ‘La Bayamesa.’

Perucho, suffering from ulcerated feet that rendered him unable to walk, was bound in handcuffs but not in spirit. When ordered to walk to his execution, he retorted with dignity, ‘Can’t you see I can’t? Bring me a car.’ In a mocking gesture, the Spanish officer sent for a donkey instead. Perucho, with a touch of irony, remarked, ‘I will not be the first redeemer that rides on an ass.’ The donkey, seemingly aware of its symbolic burden, carried Perucho slowly and gallantly to the execution site.

At 6:20 a.m., a 25-man platoon stood ready. Beside Perucho were Rodrigo and Ignacio Tamayo, father and son, standing erect. In a poignant moment, Rodrigo extended his handcuffed hands to bless his son before the shots rang out. The officer’s command cut through the humid air: ‘Prepare!… Aim!… Fire!’ The thunderous discharges felled the three men, their bodies falling like flags unfurled for the last time. Perucho’s blood, the patriot who had ignited the spirit of the Bayamo revolution, bathed the earth.

155 years later, the echo of that morning still resonates. The bullets may have silenced Perucho’s body, but his words, immortalized in the Cuban National Anthem, continue to inspire. Perucho, serene in the face of death, rejected cowardly forgiveness and, with his final verses, ‘To die for the Homeland is to live,’ transformed lead into seed, sowing the enduring spirit of Cuban independence.

In the heart of Cuba, the legacy of Fidel Castro continues to resonate, not as a relic of the past but as a living force that shapes the present and future. This is not about nostalgia or blind admiration, but about understanding the profound impact of a leader who embodied both extraordinary vision and human imperfection. Fidel’s name evokes a complex tapestry of emotions—hope, struggle, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

In 1985, a foreign journalist posed a poignant question to Fidel Castro: ‘What would you like your legacy to be? How would you like your achievements over the years to be interpreted?’ Castro’s response was both humble and confident. He acknowledged his role in the Cuban Revolution, emphasizing that his leadership was not without flaws, yet he remained assured of the high regard in which the Cuban people held him. His communication with the people, marked by his pedagogical oratory and unwavering dedication, fostered a genuine affection and admiration. This bond allowed even the humblest citizens to address him informally, a testament to his approachability and the deep connection he shared with the populace. Fidel Castro became a paradigm of leadership, embodying the qualities of Cuban identity—ingenuity, rebelliousness, and courage. As the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of his birth, it is imperative to move beyond the emotional resonance of his legacy. Castro himself urged a focus on the study and continuation of his ideology rather than mere symbolic gestures. His teachings on unity, consensus-building, and cultural preservation remain relevant. The celebration of his centennial should serve as an opportunity for rigorous examination of his work, ensuring that his contributions are neither forgotten nor diminished. Fidel Castro’s legacy is not just a historical lesson but a call to strategic thinking, national pride, and unwavering idealism. His perseverance in the face of challenges exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination. As we reflect on his life and achievements, let us enter history with him, allowing it to open its gates wider for us.

Cuba is set to honor the legacy of Fidel Castro with a grand commemorative program marking what would have been his 100th birthday. Approved during the 10th Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, the program will officially commence on August 13 at the Birán Historical Complex in Cueto, Holguín. This date holds special significance as it marks the 99th anniversary of the birth of the iconic leader. The program, spanning from August 13, 2025, to December 4, 2026, aims to celebrate Castro’s enduring ideals and encourage the study of his revolutionary thinking. The event will feature a cultural performance by the renowned children’s theater company, La Colmenita, known for its heartfelt and tender productions. Preparations at the Birán Historical Complex, a National Monument, include the restoration of the Castro Ruz family’s second home, the rooster fence, and the huts once occupied by Haitian immigrants employed by Fidel’s father. Additionally, beautification efforts have been undertaken in the surrounding green areas. Yaniel Cobos, the ideology officer of the National Bureau of the Young Communists Union, highlighted the program’s focus on youth engagement. Over 250 young individuals from various provinces will participate in the event, camping near the complex on August 12 after celebrating International Youth Day. The program also includes productive work at the Beola agricultural center and the Vladimir Ilich Lenin Provincial Hospital. Across Cuba, youth groups will engage in economic contributions and cultural events to honor Fidel Castro’s memory, culminating in a nationwide tribute at dawn on August 13.