Cubans and the world mourn Fidel Castro's death
Fidel Castro is one of the world's influential leftist leaders. When he died on November 25, 2016, due to his aging and illness at the age of 90, Cubans and the world share mixed reactions: from celebration to mourning. However, there are always lots of reasons why the world commemorates Castro's life, death, and legacy.
Cubans will commemorate Castro's life during at mass memorial this week, which highlights the story of the late leader when he led the revolution almost sixty years ago. The funeral will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, the Havana TImes reports.
The mourning period will last for nine days. On Monday, a tribute will be paid by firing two simultaneous 21-gun salutes, Cuba's state news agency reported as quoted by CNN. From Tuesday to Saturday, soldiers will shoot cannon firing every hour from 6 am to 6 pm. Around tens of thousands of people will pay their last respects on Tuesday in Plaza Jose Marti. Marti was a Cuban poet and a fighter who fought against the country's independence against Spain.
On Wednesday, Cubans will attend a ceremonial journey to salute to Castro's remains, starting from the route when Castro and his group assumed power from Fulgencio Batista in 1959. His remains will arrive in Santiago de Cuba Saturday for a 7 pm rally at the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square. On Sunday, the ashes will be laid to rest after a 7 am service. At 9 am, a gun salute will be heard closing the ceremony in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
Most Cubans consider Castro their father. Many wept and felt as if they lost their father. People put flowers and photo under the statue on the University of Havana's main steps. The university was the place where Castro studied law.
However, Castro still triggered a controversy around the world, even after his death. Cuban immigrants in Miami expressed their joy and happiness over the leader's decease. They tossed a champagne, waved the flag saying" Satan, Fidel now is yours". They say the death of Castro is the moment they have been waiting for 55 years.
In 2008, he handed over the presidency to his brother Raul.
World leaders expressed their condolences over Castro's death, praising Castro as among the most influential leftist leaders in the world.
Castro is seen as the leader who bravely fought against the US domination. Despite his controversial nature, he managed to provide free housing, education, and health access to Cubans.
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