The relevant soldier and patriot of the deeds for Cuban independence, already sick and with ulcers on his feet, fell into the hands of the Spanish colonialist troops and was later killed in eastern Santiago de Cuba.

According to national history texts, Figueredo shouted before a firing squad: “To Die for the Homeland is to Live!” as the final phrase of the Cuban National Anthem states, whose music he had written in August 1867.

Born in the eastern Cuban city of Bayamo on July 29, 1819, “Perucho” studied law and promoted literature and music. With this last talent, recognized by his compatriots, he composed the hymn, initially known as “La Bayamesa.”

This text, orchestrated by maestro Manuel Muñoz Cedeño, was popular among the people from Bayamo and withstood the censorship of Spanish Governor, Julián Udaeta, who listened to it at the end of a local religious ceremony.

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