Matanzas Remembers the Caravan of Freedom .
The people of Matanzas commemorated Fidel Castro’s visit to Matanzas, condemned the vile attack by the United States on Venezuela, honored the 32 Venezuelans who died in combat, and demanded the release of Nicolás Maduro.
On Wednesday night, in Liberty Park in the city of Matanzas, at the very spot where Fidel Castro addressed the people of Matanzas on January 7th, 1959, during his triumphant Caravan of Liberty, the city’s inhabitants commemorated that victorious entry.
In this setting, the United States’ military aggression against the Venezuelan people was condemned. During the event, tribute was also paid to the 32 Cuban brothers and sisters who fell defending the Venezuelan people.
The song «Esta Bandera» (This Flag) ushered in the presiding officials. Following this, the music of «La Gran Rebelión» (The Great Rebellion) welcomed the 67 caravan participants, who reenacted the entry of the bearded revolutionaries who accompanied Fidel.
The ringing of the bells signaling «Attention, everyone!» prepared the attendees to hear the national anthems of Cuba and Venezuela.
While this was happening, and during the event, images of Fidel, Chávez, Maduro and Díaz-Canel were projected on a screen, as a symbol of the friendship between two brotherly peoples.
The performance of the poem «Letter from a Cuban Mother to an American Mother,» by Indio Naborí, was deeply moving, masterfully recited by announcer Oliverio Aballí.
The 67 young people who make up the caravan were selected from a pool of outstanding individuals from all sectors. Also present were veterans who fought alongside Fidel Castro 67 years ago.
The event was presided over by the First Secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Communist Party in Matanzas, Mario Sabines Lorenzo; the Governor of the province, Marieta Poey Zamora; and other political and governmental figures, as well as high-ranking military officers from the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior.
The event featured speakers from various political and mass organizations. There was a cultural segment with political songs, dance, and improvised verse performances, and the closing act was led by singer-songwriter Raulito Torres, who delighted the audience with his anthems dedicated to Chávez and Fidel Castro.
Written by Enrique Tirse.
