Harare, January 28, 2026 – A moving tribute to José Martí and a reaffirmation of commitment to the homeland marked today's celebration in Zimbabwe of the 173rd anniversary of the birth of Cuba's National Hero.
His Versos Sencillos, white flowers, and the enduring relevance of his independence ideals in the face of imperialist and aggressive forces brought together dozens of dignitaries, supporters, and Cubans at the Caribbean nation's diplomatic mission in Harare, led by Ambassador Susellys Pérez Mesa.
Ishmael Mada, a member of the Political Bureau of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front and director of the Chitepo School of Ideology, attended the event, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as ambassadors and diplomats from more than 10 countries.
"For Cubans, today is a patriotic day, the 173rd anniversary of the National Hero, whose thought we urgently need to remember, especially his ideals of love for the homeland, anti-imperialism, dignity, and human greatness," emphasized Pérez Mesa.
"We must remember his ideals." After recalling her role in the necessary struggle, primarily from the United States, which she described as living within the monster and knowing its inner workings, the Ambassador praised Martí's conviction that "Homeland is Humanity" when threats and the sirens of danger loom over many places on this, our only planet.
How relevant this is precisely in these times when the imperial neighbor to the north—she emphasized—is publicly announcing its intentions to revive sad policies of the past, such as the infamous Monroe Doctrine.
The Ambassador recalled the deaths of 32 courageous sons and daughters in the line of duty in Venezuela, when that sister nation was the victim of the imperialist and fascist attack by the United States. We Cubans, like Martí, carry a gene of solidarity, anti-imperialism, justice, and courage that cannot be easily forgotten.
We demand an end to the blockade and reaffirm that our independence is non-negotiable and we will defend it—she declared—with the courage that characterizes us.
The Ambassador also addressed her fellow citizens in The foreign government, in its necessary support of the homeland, appealed to the international community for support in the face of the dangers looming over his country.
Likewise, Dr. Norbert Hosho, President of the Zimbabwe Anti-Treaty Fund, affirmed that Martí was not only a fighter for Cuban independence, but also a defender of the dignity, sovereignty, and unity of all oppressed peoples.
We recognize him as a brother in the family of the struggle for the liberation of Africa from colonialism and against the illegal sanctions imposed on our nations.
Meanwhile, Ernest Ngoma, Secretary General of the Zimbabwe-Cuba Solidarity Association, highlighted the life and work of "the most universal of Cubans," reaffirming the support and eternal gratitude of thousands of Zimbabweans like himself, graduates of the Caribbean nation.
Members of the XIV Medical Brigade in Zimbabwe recited excerpts from the Apostle's simple verses, and a moving moment marked the end of the tribute when children from a primary school placed White flowers in front of Martí's bust at the Embassy.