Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.- Ever since Fidel Castro and other revolutionary fighters attacked the Moncada Garrison in this Eastern Cuban city at dawn on July 26, 1953, locals began to feel a deep affection for the military fortress.

That action marked the beginning of the final period of Cuba’s wars of independence, which closed with the revolutionary triumph five years, five months and five days later, on January 1, 1959, leaving an imprint on the city’s historic memory and patriotic spirituality.

The imposing military enclave, which comprises one block in one of the city’s highest points, was turned into a school in 1960. The anniversary of this day was first celebrated in 1962, and ever since 1973 it has been commemorating at the site every five years.

Like every year during carnival, locals do an assessment of the economic, political, social and cultural achievements inspired by this legacy, this time 65 years after the attack.

The July 26 set of monuments is regarded as the apple of the City Preservation Office’s eyes due to the many visitors who tour the site.

The other two targets of the attack, the Palace of Justice and the former Civil Hospital, today known as Abel Santamaria park/museum, are also undergoing restoration, together with the Frank Pais School of Teachers, a National Monument in that same section of the city.

FROM PAST TO NEW FEATS

Sponsored by the National Union of Historians, the Cultural Patrimony Council, the Council of State’s Office for Historic Affairs and the University of Oriente, a workshop dedicated to the collective approach of museums and other institutions connected with the Moncada Attack was held at the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square’s Salón de los Vitrales. The conference taught by Dr. Mario Mecia, National History Prize laureate, referred to the origin and development of Fidel Castro’s political thinking and insurrectional action.

In the meantime, different research papers by specialists from the house-museums of some of the July 26 heroes and from the intangible heritage office bear testimony to the event and the Granjita Siboney camp, with information about the work done with the community, children and youth to encourage familiarization among the youngest generation.

The creation of a network that groups these centers together was proposed during the workshop. The objective is to update and exchange the results of historical and geographical research and further enhance their respective collections.