Cuba has held a series of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late President Fidel Castro, including an international book fair, art exhibitions, concerts, and meetings of delegates from leftist organizations across the Americas.
The commemoration took place on Thursday (August 15) as Cuba faces increasing pressure from U.S. sanctions. The administration of former President Donald Trump imposed a fuel blockade in January, followed by a series of sanctions aimed at forcing the communist government to implement political and economic reforms. These measures have deepened a five-year economic crisis that had already been exacerbated by existing U.S. sanctions and a failed internal financial overhaul.
Fidel Castro led Cuba for five decades, from 1959 until he handed over the presidency to his brother Raul in 2008. He maintained significant influence until his death in 2016.
Raul Castro received a warm round of applause when he appeared in public at an event in Havana on Thursday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his brother's birth. Raul, the last surviving leader of Cuba's 1959 revolution, is believed to still hold significant power on the island, despite stepping down as president in 2018.
In May, Raul Castro was indicted by a court in the U.S. state of Florida on four counts of murder.
