The caravan, composed of outstanding young people from sports, health and services, arrived in central Cuba from Sancti Spíritus through the community of Ojo del Agua, more than 280 kilometers east of Havana, the same point where the Rebel Army’s forces entered the province.

On January 6, 1959, a group of students received a card recognizing them as members of the Young Communist League (UJC), while others received awards for their contributions to the country’s development in different areas.

UJC Secretary in Villa Clara Hermes Aguilera said that during the trip, participants also paid tribute to the martyrs who fell during the war against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, as well as to those who gave their lives in the Battle of Santa Clara, a key event for the final victory.

During the day, participants gathered at the same place from where Fidel Castro spoke to the population of the capital of then Las Villas province, a speech in which the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution said that he did not come to speak to the people, but to listen to them.

Vila Clara Governor Milaxy Sánchez noted that recalling that and other concepts today from that historic day represents not only keeping the Cuban Revolution alive, but also contributing to strengthening it by maintaining the unity between the people and their leaders to face any challenges.

After the events in Villa Clara, the caravan will continue to Cienfuegos to remember the presence there of Fidel Castro and the Rebel Army as part of their journey to Havana, a city that welcomed them on January 8, 1959, with a mass demonstration of popular joy.

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