Cubans, French and Latin Americans celebrated the 59th anniversary of the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes garrisons, a deed that marked the beginning of the last stage of revolutionary struggle for Cuba''s independence.
Speaking at the political-cultural event, the first secretary of the Cuban Embassy in France, Yaira Jimenez, noted the importance of that deed, led by Fidel Castro and inspired by Cuban Apostle Jose Marti's thought.
Jimenez paid tribute to the so-called Generation of the Centennial and all those who are continuing and improving the work of the Revolution and the process of changes that began on January 1, 1959.
On this important date, the diplomat recalled the case of the five Cuban anti-imperialist fighters unjustly held in U.S. prisons for protecting their country from terrorist actions by Miami-based mafia groups, and demanded their immediate release.
The event, held at the Cuban Embassy, was attended by diplomats from Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia and other countries represented at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as members of solidarity organizations, leaders of political parties, government officials and friends of the Revolution.
"For me, it is an honor to participate in this celebration due to the respect and admiration I feel for Cuba and its Revolution," Aurora Medina, a member of the Cuba Cooperation France Association, told Prensa Latina.
Medina condemned the five-decade-old U.S. blockade on Cuba and said that for over 17 years, her organization has carried out several projects in Havana, unconditionally and in coordination with Cuban institutions.
Mirna Murillo, a Bolivian journalist and a physical therapist who resides in France, expressed his affection and admiration for Cuba, which has not renounced its principles, despite Washington's blockade.
"I expect wonderful days for Cuba, because the Revolution has been a guide and a source of inspiration for many peoples," recalled Murillo, who was recently decorated by the French Senate, along with other Latin American residents who have had a relevant presence in this country.
During the celebrations on the Day of Cuba's National Rebelliousness, an exhibition of paintings by Cuban artist Lorenzo Padilla, who received the Medal for National Culture in 2005, was inaugurated at the Cuban Embassy.
All participants in the event enjoyed typical Cuban dishes and the traditional "mojito", as well as a performance by the musical group Tentacion.