Cuba: Famous places connected to Fidel Castro and his revolution

After the news of Fidel Castro passing away, I put together this impromptu blog post. I am not going to make any judgments about his actions, nor write about the history and his biography. You can find a lot of articles related to all this in the media (worth reading for example The Economist, BBC news, BBC pictures, HuffPost). But I would like to show you some interesting places in Cuba connected to Fidel, the leader of Cuban revolution. I have visited these locations during a 14-day round trip of Cuba.

The Balcony, Santiago de Cuba — The Balcony at Cespedes square, Santiago de Cuba

Biran

Fidel Castro was born and lived in Biran. His father was a rich plantation owner and his mother was a cook/servant. His father acknowledged him only after his teenage years.

Revolution 1.0

Fidel Castro’s “Movement of 26 July” made an unsuccessful attack on Moncada Army Barracks in Santiago de Cuba.

Revolution 2.0

After being imprisoned and released two years later, Fidel Castro and his mates fled to America. They returned a few years later on a yacht Granma, which is now in this museum.

The movement then led a guerilla war against Batista’s army in a mountain range Sierra Maestra.

Fidel Castro talked to Cuban people after the revolution from the balcony of the main building of the communist party in Santiago de Cuba’s square Cespedes.

Revolution squares are in many cities in Cuba. Some are dedicated to the first Cuban revolution against the Spanish (look for horses and swords), while other to the second, Fidel’s revolution (look for modern arms).

There are also some other interesting revolution-related memorials around Cuba. Like the “Thank-you note” from Fidel to the city of Santiago de Cuba. Or faces of famous, but already dead, people helping Fidel with the revolution looking at you from building walls. Or famous quotes related to the revolution.