Former Cuban President Raúl Castro was noticeably absent from Cuba’s annual July 26 Revolution Anniversary celebrations on Sunday, marking the first time in more than three decades that he has not attended the country’s most symbolic political event.
The annual ceremony commemorates the historic 1953 attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks, led by Fidel and Raúl Castro, which became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution.
Historic Absence Raises Questions
Raúl Castro, now 95 years old, has remained one of Cuba’s most influential political figures despite stepping away from public office.
Although he did not attend the ceremony in Pinar del Río, President Miguel Díaz-Canel read a congratulatory message from Castro during the event. Cuban authorities did not provide any official explanation for his absence.
His last public appearances were in June during an Interior Ministry event and on May 1 for Labor Day celebrations.
Díaz-Canel Criticizes United States
During his speech, President Díaz-Canel strongly criticized the United States, accusing Washington of increasing pressure on Cuba through economic sanctions.
He rejected recent allegations from the U.S. State Department claiming Cuba has operated a long-term espionage and influence network targeting the United States and Latin America.
According to Díaz-Canel, the U.S. continues to impose policies designed to weaken the Cuban government and its economy.
Cuba Faces Deep Economic Crisis
The anniversary comes as Cuba struggles through one of its most severe economic crises in decades.
The country continues to experience:
- Daily power outages lasting more than 20 hours in some areas
- Shortages of food, medicine, and clean water
- Reduced industrial production
- High inflation following recent financial reforms
- Businesses and international companies leaving the country
Several international companies, including airlines and hotel operators, have scaled back or ended operations in Cuba as financial challenges continue to grow.
Symbolic Anniversary
The July 26 Movement remains one of the most significant events in Cuban history, symbolizing the beginning of the revolution that eventually brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959.
While Raúl Castro’s absence drew widespread attention, Cuban leaders emphasized continuity, insisting the revolutionary movement remains strong despite mounting economic difficulties and increasing international pressure.
