On Thursday, Cuba observed the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, the revolutionary leader who governed the country for nearly five decades. Castro, who passed away in 2016, remains a central figure in Cuban history, and his legacy continues to shape the island's current political identity.

Commemorations across the country focused on his role in the 1959 revolution and the subsequent establishment of a socialist state. While supporters view him as a symbol of national sovereignty and resistance against foreign influence, critics point to his long tenure as a period marked by the suppression of political dissent and economic hardship. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the deep divisions regarding his impact on the Cuban people. While the state-led events emphasize his achievements in healthcare and education, international observers and the Cuban diaspora often highlight the lack of democratic freedoms during his rule. The legacy of Castro remains a subject of intense debate both within Cuba and among the international community, reflecting the complex and often polarized history of the island nation.