That Friday in 2020, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed the need to continue the patrimonial work developed by Leal, known as “the boyfriend of Havana.”

“Let’s celebrate his wonderful passage through life, too brief for those of us who loved him for his work and for himself,” Diaz-Canel said.

We must follow his footsteps, the patient and infinite work of saving the heritage of our Cuba which he loved so much and devoted his life to, the president stated.

On one occasion, Leal confessed that he aspired to nothing, not even posterity. “I only aspire to have been useful,” the head of State quoted his words.

The Cuban people paid a well-deserved tribute and agreed that defending and continuing Eusebio’s work is the best way to honor him.

Eusebio Leal was born in his beloved city of Havana on September 11, 1942.

He earned a PhD in Historical Sciences from the University of Havana, a Master’s Degree in Studies on Latin America, the Caribbean and Cuba, and was a specialist in Archaeological Sciences.

He also was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba since the 4th Congress, held in 1991, and a lawmaker to the National People’s Power Assembly (Parliament).

In 1967, Leal began as a director of the City Museum of Havana, succeeding Dr. Emilio Roig de Leushenring, of whom he was a disciple.

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