BAYAMO, Granma.—The XXVI Commemoration of the life of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, will begin February 25, leading up to the 142nd anniversary of his death. Cuba’s founding father launched the country’s first war of independence and died on the battlefield, February 27, 1874.
The events to be held in the city of Bayamo, in the eastern province of Granma, are being organized by the museum located in the house where Céspedes was born, and will begin with a presentation by the institution’s director Vivian Infante. On the 26th, activities highlighting the intangible values and concrete actions of Céspedes will take place at Batalla de Peralejo high school, followed by a cultural event evoking his legacy through art, according to museum specialist Isel Natacha Ruiz.
The commemoration’s final day will begin with the traditional laying of floral wreaths at the foot of a statue of the forefather in the city’s Plaza de la Revolución and at that of Perucho Figueredo, his comrade in arms and author of Cuba’s national anthem.
Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a man of many talents, was born April 18, 1819, and launched the country’s first war of independence, October 10, 1868, ordered the abolition of slavery, and in this early period of Cuban history, warned against the intentions of the United States to annex the island.
