Christchurch, New Zealand, 15 August 2026 — A series of events marking the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, were held in Christchurch on 14 and 15 August, organised by the New Zealand Cuba Friendship Association.
The programme focused on Fidel Castro’s historical, political and humanitarian legacy, providing an opportunity for discussion and reflection on different aspects of Cuba’s experience and its international engagement.
Presentations and discussions covered a range of topics, including Cuba’s healthcare system, the country’s internationalist medical missions, the contribution of Cuban health professionals to the response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and the development of Cuba’s biotechnology sector and its contribution to addressing some of the challenges facing humanity today.
Particular emphasis was placed on the values of international solidarity, humanitarianism and cooperation associated with Fidel Castro’s political thought and Cuba’s international engagement over the past decades.
A highlight of the commemorative programme was the opening of the photographic exhibition “Epopeya”, featuring works by renowned Cuban photographers including Alex Castro, Roberto Chile, Ernesto Fernández, Luis Korda and Liborio Noval.
The exhibition offers a visual record of significant moments in the history of the Cuban Revolution and in Fidel Castro’s political life. It provides New Zealand audiences with an opportunity to learn more about Fidel Castro and to engage with different aspects of Cuba’s contemporary history through the work of some of the country’s leading photographers.
The programme also featured the presentation of two books exploring Fidel Castro’s life and legacy: “100 hechos en la vida y obra de Fidel Castro” by Rodolfo Romero Reyes and Elier Ramírez Cañedo, published by Ocean Sur, and “Fidel Castro: Birán to Cinco Palmas” by Eugenio Suárez Pérez and Acela A. Caner Román.
The two publications approach Fidel Castro’s life from different perspectives, covering aspects of his personal, political, and historical trajectory, from his childhood and youth through to events surrounding the triumph of the Cuban Revolution.
The Christchurch activities provided an opportunity to commemorate the centenary of Fidel Castro’s birth while encouraging discussion about Cuba’s history and international experience, particularly in areas such as healthcare, international cooperation, science and biotechnology.
The Embassy of Cuba in New Zealand acknowledges the New Zealand Cuba Friendship Association for organising the commemorative programme and for its continued contribution to fostering understanding of Cuba and strengthening people-to-people links between Cuba and New Zealand.
A further commemorative event is planned for Auckland in October. Details, including the date, will be announced in due course.