The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Türkiye and the José Martí Association of Friendship with Cuba organized a bicycle parade that traveled through several avenues and streets of Ankara, the country's capital, to mark the 99th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and to launch the activities that will lead up to the celebration of the centenary of his birth in 2026.
During the ride, the cyclists, chanting slogans such as “Cuba Yes, Yankees No!”, “Down with the blockade!”, “Long live Cuba!” and “Long live Fidel!”, carried posters in support of the island and demanded an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, as well as the exclusion of the Caribbean nation from the unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism. The expressions of solidarity aroused the interest and sympathy of passersby in the Turkish capital.
At the end of the caravan, a solidarity event with Cuba was held. In her closing remarks, Ms. Nahide Özkan, President of the José Martí Friendship Association with Cuba, highlighted the relevance of Fidel's thinking and reaffirmed the commitment of Turkish friends to the Cuban people in the face of the adversities resulting from the blockade.
The Cuban Ambassador to Turkey, Alejandro Díaz Palacios, thanked the participants for their support and for their constant show of solidarity with Cuba. He also emphasized that initiatives such as this are a gesture of friendship that strengthens the ties between the two peoples.
The event concluded with a moment of fellowship in which tribute was paid to the legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.
This event marked the start of the international celebrations in Türkiye for the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
The Political Advisor of the Cuban Embassy, Oscar Redondo Ramos, also participated in the event.
