Havana, Cuba.-Cuban youth are celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the birth of Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez, as part of tributes to the leader of the Venezuelan Revolution, who died in 2013.

A cultural evening and talk began on Thursday night with the traditional 9:00pm cannon fire ceremony at the capital’s historical Morro-Cabaña military complex in tribute to the life of Chavez, described by the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, as Cuba’s best friend.

The proximity of Fidel Castroâ?Ös 90th birthday, on August 13th, has meant that the activity was also a celebration of this date and a reminder of the close friendship between the two leaders, a relationship which boosted close ties of solidarity and cooperation that the two countries still maintain.

Aleida Guevara, the daughter of Argentine-Cuban guerrilla fighter, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, emphasized Chavezâ?Ö sensitivity and charisma during the event. She met him once, and shared with the audience some stories about Chavez who wanted to be a baseball player, but turned into a soldier and statesman, as a result of the historical circumstances of Venezuela.

Aleidita, as Cheâ?Ös daughter is known in Cuba, recounted experiences of her family’s relationship with Fidel Castro, who she also considered a father, and stressed the humanistic aspect of his personality.

For her part, journalist and researcher Katiuska Blanco said that she considered it a great honor to have known Fidel Castro and Chavez personally. She described them as extraordinary persons who, among other things, shared a vision for justice and devoted their life to others.

Through the cultural project ‘Los Amigos del Amigo’ (The Friends of the Friend), UJC members have periodically paid tribute to both revolutionaries. They are considered essential figures for the progressive forces in Latin America and the world.