Independence or Death!: February 24 unites 131 years of Cuban struggle

By Katherin Hormigó Rubio, translated from the Spanish

February 24, 2026 is commemorated in Cuba as a date loaded with historical symbolism: the anniversary of the Grito de Baire, which in 1895 marked the resumption of the armed struggle for total independence from Spanish colonialism. But this day is not just a memory of the past; it is a common thread that unites generations of resistance, sovereignty and social transformation. From the mountains of the Sierra Maestra to the halls of the National Assembly, February 24 has been repeatedly chosen for milestones that reinforce the idea of a free and independent Cuba.

The Origin: The Cry of Baire and the Necessary War (1895)

131 years ago, on February 24, 1895, Cuba erupted in a simultaneous uprising in dozens of localities, mainly in the East. In Baire, a small town near Santiago de Cuba, Saturnino Lora proclaimed the cry of "Long live independence and Long live free Cuba!", giving name to the famous Grito de Baire. This uprising was orchestrated by José Martí, who from exile had founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party in 1892 to unite veterans of the Ten Years' War and new generations. Martí called it "the Necessary War" because he understood that independence was not only political, but also social: abolishing slavery definitively, ending racial and regional inequalities, and building a republic "with all and for the good of all." Although Martí was killed in combat in May of that year, the movement continued until 1898, when U.S. intervention altered its trajectory and delayed complete sovereignty. That day became a symbol of rebellion and national unity.

The Voice of the Sierra: Birth of Radio Rebelde (1958)

Exactly 63 years later, on February 24, 1958, in the Altos de Conrado, Sierra Maestra, Commander Ernesto Che Guevara launched Radio Rebelde. The clandestine station, with initial broadcasts of barely 20 minutes, broke the silence imposed by the Batista dictatorship. It broadcast war reports, editorials and the Invading Anthem, becoming the main means of communication of the Rebel Army. Fidel Castro described it years later as an "instrument of mass dissemination" that connected the guerrillas with the people and dismantled official propaganda. The choice of date was not accidental: it evoked the spirit of the Grito de Baire to show that the Revolution continued the struggle for independence, now against a neocolonial regime. Today, Radio Rebelde continues to be an emblem of revolutionary communication, and February 24 is celebrated as Communications Workers' Day.

Institutionality and Socialism (1976)

On February 24, 1976, the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba was proclaimed at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana. After a broad process of popular discussion (more than 6 million participants) and a referendum where 97.7% voted in favor, this Magna Carta declared Cuba as a "socialist state of workers, independent and sovereign." It guaranteed universal rights such as free education and healthcare, equality and the irrevocable socialist character of the Revolution. The date was selected to connect the new with the legacy of 1895: just as there was a fight to break free from Spanish rule back then, in 1976, the triumph over imperialism was solidified, realizing Martí's vision of a dignified nation.

Continuity and replacement (2008 - 2013)

On February 24, 2008, the National Assembly of People's Power elected Raúl Castro as President of the Councils of State and Ministers, succeeding Fidel after his retirement for health reasons. It was an orderly transition that maintained revolutionary continuity, with an emphasis on economic updates and defense of sovereignty. Five years later, on February 24, 2013, Raúl was reelected, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was elevated to First Vice President, signifying the generational shift to leaders who were educated during the Revolution. In 2018, Díaz-Canel took on the full presidency, representing the continuity of independence principles in the 21st century, despite the blockade and external pressures.

Cuba in 2026: An ongoing process

In 2026, as Cuba faces current challenges—economic and geopolitical—February 24 reminds us that independence is not an isolated event, but an ongoing process. From the cry in Baire to the broadcasts of Radio Rebelde, the socialist constitution and the transitions of power, this date symbolizes resistance, unity and the commitment to a just society. As Fidel said in 1968, February 24 is "an indelible testimony to rebellion and revolutionary spirit." In a rapidly changing world, Cuba views this as evidence that the fight for the complete dignity of humanity—Martí's vision—remains vibrant and continually evolving.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC