Triumph of the Revolution, also known as Liberation Day, is celebrated on January 1 every year to commemorate the victory of the revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro. The Cuban Revolution was an armed rebellion against the military dictatorship of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. It started in 1953 and ended in 1959 with the triumph of the revolutionaries and the fleeing of the dictator to the U.S. as Castro established his government in Cuba. The day is marked by celebratory military parades, revolutionary poster marches, concerts, and fireworks all over Cuba.
HISTORY OF TRIUMPH OF THE REVOLUTION
Cuba used to be a Spanish colony in the Middle Ages. During the 19th century, independence movements erupted in the area and people started demanding independence from Spain. By this time, the neighbors in the north (the U.S.) were rapidly developing themselves into an industrialized nation and its influence was spreading in its nearby locations. Using the independence movement in Cuba to its advantage, the U.S. started investing in Cuba and supported the anti-Spanish movement. By 1898, both the U.S. and Spain declared war against each other the aftermath of which was Cuban Independence from Spain
In the years to follow, many governments came and fell, and the country was in chaos and turmoil, which led to the initial 1933 revolution that lasted for seven years. Ultimately, in 1940, President Batista came into power and made his government. After finishing his term in 1944, he went to Florida and stayed there until 1952 when his supporters and the military-led a coup d’etat, making Batista President once again. During this time, a then young law student in the making, Fidel Castro, and some of his friends who got influenced by the Marxist-Leninist ideology started working on bringing reforms in the country’s politics by bringing a communist regime.
During the 1950s, as the situation worsened in Cuba after the military coup, Fidel’s call for a nationwide revolution to overthrow Batista’s dictatorship gained momentum. In most of the cases, there were actual armed resistance movements against the dictatorship. Fidel’s men were constantly engaged in Guerilla warfare against the military, and in these encounters to follow, Fidel’s revolutionist agenda gained even greater support as he aligned himself with the USSR. With this came extended support for the revolutionaries in Cuba, and by 1959, the movement that was started by Fidel Castro and his supporters gained its triumph.
On December 31, President Batista fled to the U.S. and hence marked the end of his rule in Cuba. The victorious revolutionaries began their march towards the capital city, Havana on January 1, and ever since, this day has been celebrated as Triumph of the Revolution. Among some prominent changes that were made on this day were that Fidel Castro became the head of the Cuban government and declared Cuba a Communist State. This said the day is celebrated every year with jubilant enthusiasm. There are concerts staged in all parts of the country, military parades in the capital, and fireworks in the evening.
TRIUMPH OF THE REVOLUTION TIMELINE
Cuban Revolutionist leader, Castro, is born on August 13
As Batista’s supporters lead a coup d’etat against the existing government, Castro and other prominent leaders begin the Cuban Revolution.
In a desperate attempt to initiate a rebellion, Castro leads a 160-men raid on the barracks, which results in the deaths of many rebels and the arrests of Castro and his brother, Raul Castro.
President Batista flees to the U.S. marking the end of his rule and so begins a new era under Castro.
TRIUMPH OF THE REVOLUTION FAQS
Was Che Guevara part of the Cuban Revolution?
During Castro’s exile in Mexico, from the moment he met Guevara, Guevara became second in command.
Which side did the U.S. support during the Cuban Revolution?
Since the coup d’etat of 1951, when Fulgencio Batista became the dictator of Cuba, the U.S. economically, militarily, and logistically supported him against the revolutionaries until 1959 when Batista fled to the U.S. and Castro took over.
Is Cuba still a communist country?
Yes, Cuba is still a communist state. The Communist Party of Cuba has been the ruling party of Cuba since 1959 and the country has been a very close ally of the former U.S.S.R.
HOW TO CELEBRATE TRIUMPH OF THE REVOLUTION
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When in Cuba, do as the Cubans do
Cubans have their own styles of celebrations so just catch on with their own ways. Grab a revolutionist poster and parade alongside them. Or you can attend the concerts that are arranged all over the country.
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Revisit History
You can always learn more about the rich history of Cuba by reading about it and sharing your thoughts about the country on your social media. Once you are done reading, you can always visit Cuba on this historic day!
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Organize your own fireworks
Fireworks are a great way to celebrate the significance of a day. You can organize your own fireworks for this day, but make sure it is done in an open space and is safe for everyone. If you can’t do this, you always go to see the fireworks somewhere else.
5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE REVOLUTION
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Inspiration to revolt backfired
Before becoming the dictator of Cuba, Fulgencio Batista himself was very vocal about a revolt against tyranny — in the end, he became a victim of his own teachings.
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Under American rule till 1902
After independence from Spain, Cuba fell under U.S. control for three years until 1902 when, finally, Cuba became a republic.
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Argentinian to Native Cuban
In a special government act, Che Guevara was given the status of a native-born Cuban so he could be part of the government of Cuba.
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A hero before an antagonist
Fidel Castro was once an American hero for leading a rebellion against President Batista, but when he declared his communist intentions, he became a villain in the eyes of the Americans.
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600 executions
Around 600 people who were in any way related to Batista, or who supported him during the revolution were executed.
WHY WE LOVE TRIUMPH OF THE REVOLUTION
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A National Day
Triumph of the Revolution is an important day because its significance is at a national level. On this day, Cuba freed itself from the dictatorship and a new revolutionary government took over. As a national day, it should be and always has been celebrated with admirable patriotism and passion.
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It sends a message
The message we get through this day’s celebration is that the power of the people is the driving force behind the governments. If governments lose the faith and trust of the people then they are as vulnerable as any one of anything can be. Triumph of the Revolution clearly states this fact out there in bold that tyranny cannot last forever.
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A day for celebration, parades, concerts, and fireworks
Who doesn’t like parades, and concerts, and fireworks to light up the sky with beautiful colors and that too on a day when the entire nation is united for one thing and one thing alone! Triumph! Triunfo de la Revolución!
