HAVANA — Cuba marks what would have been Fidel Castro's 100th birthday on Thursday,his influence still felt across island. Some honor him amid harsh U.S. energy blockade,others blame him for nation's ongoing crisis.
This week saw events for centennial — International Book Fair,art shows,concerts,gatherings of leftist groups from Latin America. Billboards with his slogans like “Homeland or Death” and posters with his image are everywhere,especially in hospitals. Many just call him Fidel,a nod to his lasting impact.
“I believe (Fidel Castro) leaves Cuba legacy of dignity,morality, tireless work and concern for the poor,”
said Miguel Barnet,writer and National Assembly member. He praised Castro’s work in culture, education,and health,seeing them as central to nation's identity.
But Castro’s centennial comes during tough times. Economic situation worsened since Trump administration imposed fuel blockade in January 2017,followed by sanctions to pressure communist government. These measures worsened a five-year crisis,fueled by earlier U.S. sanctions and failed domestic reforms.
For many Cubans,these policies' impacts are clear . They endure long power outages,severe fuel and medicine shortages,a drop in industrial and tourism activities. Transportation's tight,flights canceled,work and school hours cut.
Fidel Castro Ruz was born August 13, 1926,in Cuba’s sugar region. His father, Spanish immigrant, first worked for U.S. sugar companies before starting a successful plantation. After law school, Castro got political,leading to failed 1953 Moncada Barracks attack. Captured,released,he went to Mexico,regrouped with rebels.
In 1959,Castro returned to Cuba,ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista,starting his five-decade rule. His government launched sweeping reforms,agrarian reform,massive literacy campaign,nationalizing businesses. These moves made him a key figure in anti-colonial movements but also sparked opposition.
Historian Manuel Cuesta Morúa,leading opposition Council for the Democratic Transition in Cuba,called Castro controversial. He criticized suppression of freedoms and lack of political plurality under Castro,saying, “There was no justification for sacrificing freedoms.” Cuesta noted these effects linger today.
For younger Cubans,Castro’s legacy is complicated . Cristian Cohello,27,said his generation didn’t see Castro as active leader . “What we saw was a less visible Fidel,one who rarely appeared in public,” he said. Cohello doubts current situation,stating,“Even if they brought another Fidel,they wouldn’t be able to fix this.”
As Cuba faces its challenges,Castro’s memory still shapes national talk. His legacy is a heavy one . island's future uncertain,as people navigate post-Castro era complexities…
