Cuba marks National Liberation Day on January 1

World Today

Cuba marks National Liberation Day on January 1PHOTO/ Luis Chirino CGTN

On January 1st, Cubans marked National Liberation Day. Some 60 years after the radical revolution led by Fidel Castro and his rebel army defeated the last Cuban capitalist government and drove the nation’s fate along a new path: Socialism.

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Men and women who witnessed the historic deeds and others from newer generations are celebrating the 60-year process with local gatherings recalling events from the rebel armed struggle and Revolution leader Fidel Castro. 

They also launch music concerts and neighborhood feasts as they fly Cuban flags on building balconies and state institutions.

Cuba marks National Liberation Day on January 1

PHOTO/ Luis Chirino CGTN

However, the new year brings with it bigger challenges to meet down the road, particularly the need to revitalize the country’s economy, whose growth was reported at only 1.2 percent in 2018.

Cubans are involved in a complex process to make their socialist project prosperous and sustainable.

After 60 years of an ideal socialism, Cubans have been called to change their mindset, being more pragmatic and realistic. This has lifted previous barriers against market laws and the private initiative without disregarding the main role of state companies in the production of goods and services.

A main rally to mark the 60th anniversary takes place January 1 in the historic city of Santiago de Cuba, the eastern cradle of all wars of independence here.

Former president Raul Castro, who is current first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party is scheduled to speak to the Cuban people.