Raúl Castro Makes Rare Public Appearance at Fidel Castro’s Centenary Celebration
By TUW
Former Cuban president Raúl Castro made a rare public appearance in Havana on Thursday as Cuba marked what would have been the 100th birthday of his late brother and revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro.
The 95-year-old Raúl Castro attended a tribute ceremony at Havana’s Karl Marx Theatre, appearing in an olive-green military uniform alongside current President Miguel Díaz-Canel. His arrival was met with a standing ovation from those attending the event.
The appearance was notable because Raúl Castro has largely stayed out of public view in recent months. He was last publicly seen at a May 1 event outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana and was also shown on Cuban state television during an event in June.
The ceremony formed part of a wider programme of events commemorating Fidel Castro, who was born on August 13, 1926, and died in 2016. Cuba has hosted exhibitions, concerts, book-related events and international gatherings to mark the centenary of the former leader, whose influence continues to shape the country’s political identity.
President Díaz-Canel used the occasion to defend Fidel Castro’s legacy, describing him as a continuing source of inspiration for Cuba as the country faces mounting challenges.
The centenary celebrations, however, are taking place against the backdrop of one of Cuba’s most severe economic crises in decades. The island is experiencing shortages of fuel, food and medicine, declining economic activity and widespread electricity outages, with some blackouts lasting for extended periods.
The difficult conditions have created a striking contrast between the government’s large-scale commemoration of Fidel Castro and the everyday struggles faced by many Cubans.
Fidel Castro ruled Cuba for nearly five decades after the 1959 revolution before transferring the presidency to his brother Raúl in 2008. Raúl later formally stepped down as president in 2018, although he has remained an influential figure within the country’s political leadership.
Raúl’s appearance therefore attracted particular attention, bringing one of the last surviving figures from Cuba’s revolutionary leadership back into the public spotlight during a major moment for the Castro legacy.
