Pretoria, 2 May 2026. — Hundreds of thousands of Cubans took to the streets across the island to mark International Workers’ Day in what was one of the largest gatherings in recent times, under the central slogan “The homeland must be defended”.
With more than half a million Cubans in attendance, the event in the Cuban capital was presided over by Army General Raúl Castro; President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other leaders of the Revolution, reaffirming the unity of the Cuban people in the face of imperialist threats.
The 2026 commemoration holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. In his speech, President Díaz-Canel evoked the memory and legacy of Fidel as the main source of inspiration in the current circumstances of the blockade facing the country.
These celebrations in Cuba also received international support and solidarity through the 19th May Day International Brigade, comprising more than 200 activists from 19 nations, including South Africa. This demonstrates that Cuba is not alone in the struggle for its national sovereignty.
(Cuban Embassy in South Africa).