Cuba marks centenary of Fidel Castro’s birth amid deepening economic crisis

Cuba marked the 100th anniversary of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro's birth on Thursday, amidst one of the most severe economic and political crises in its history. Over 1,500 activists and solidarity representatives from 60 countries attended commemorative events honoring Castro. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel emphasized that Castro's legacy is more relevant today than ever, urging the country to learn from his example in overcoming contemporary challenges.

The commemoration comes amid deepening tensions with the United States, whose oil embargo and sanctions have deepened Cuba's crisis. The US-imposed measures have led to power outages exceeding 20 hours daily, crippling food production, transportation, and tourism, and pushing the national electricity system to the brink of collapse. In July, the grid suffered three nationwide failures.

In response to the crisis, the Cuban government approved 176 measures aimed at opening the economy to private and foreign investment. If fully implemented, these reforms would represent a significant shift from the socialist model that defined Castro's rule. Some reforms are already underway, with US fuel exports to Cuba's private businesses surging and fueling a black market, deepening social and economic inequality.

For some residents in Havana, the economic crisis and political uncertainty have sparked nostalgia for Castro's leadership. Benito Cisneros, a 62-year-old resident, noted that in times of crisis, Castro might have had solutions that are no longer available. Fidel Castro was born in Holguin on August 13, 1926, and led the 1959 Cuban revolution, becoming one of the most influential figures of the international left.

Despite his legacy remaining central to Cuba's national narrative, some of those now in charge of the country have not lived up to Castro's example, according to history professor Fabio Fernandez.