The regime led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo in Nicaragua has made a significant diplomatic blunder by extending congratulations to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel on May 20. This date marks the establishment of the Republic of Cuba in 1902, a day historically overlooked or rejected by the Cuban government. Ortega and Murillo, who holds the unusual title of "co-president," issued a letter celebrating the "123rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cuba," offering their "most sincere congratulations" to the Cuban people.
The official letter, dated May 19 and signed by both Ortega and Murillo, reads, "We express our most sincere congratulations to You, your Distinguished Government, and the Brave and Brotherly Cuban People." It further declares their commitment to "continue strengthening the historical bonds of brotherhood, solidarity, and cooperation that unite our nations," as reported by Nicaragua's state-run Channel 6.
On May 20, 1902, Don Tomás Estrada Palma became the first president of the newly formed Republic of Cuba during a ceremony at the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales in Havana. The transition of power was overseen by U.S. military officer Leonard Wood, and the Cuban flag was officially hoisted at sites like Morro Castle and the Presidential Palace. Estrada Palma's administration began by paying the Liberation Army and addressing the debts from the war of independence with the help of a loan. The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and became a lasting symbol of national sovereignty.
However, following the rise of Fidel Castro, May 20 was gradually erased from Cuba's official calendar. The revolutionary government dismissed it as a "neocolonial" date imposed by the United States, labeling republican presidents as "puppets of imperialism." The statue of Estrada Palma in Vedado was toppled, leaving only the shoes of the monument as silent witnesses to a denied history.
Despite this, the Cuban diaspora and international political figures continue to commemorate the date. Marco Rubio, the current U.S. Secretary of State of Cuban descent, has expressed his desire for a free and democratic Cuba, hoping that one day May 20 can be celebrated in a Cuba without dictatorship. This year, Rubio voiced his support and solidarity with the island's people and admiration for those who have stood against repression, reaffirming the U.S. government's commitment to a free Cuba.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an official proclamation on Monday to mark the occasion, highlighting the historical, cultural, and political ties that connect the Cuban American community to the fight for freedom on the island.
Meanwhile, independent journalist Camila Acosta, residing in Cuba, reported being under arbitrary police surveillance at her home. She stated that six individuals, including uniformed officers and plainclothes State Security agents, were monitoring her.
Repression during symbolic dates like May 20 aims to prevent activists, journalists, and dissidents from celebrating events that contradict the Cuban regime's official narrative. These actions include arbitrary arrests, surveillance, threats, forced exile, and internet blackouts. Currently, the regime holds over a thousand people imprisoned for raising their voices and denouncing the failed state.
Understanding Cuba's May 20 Significance
Why is May 20 significant in Cuban history?
May 20 marks the establishment of the Republic of Cuba in 1902, a date celebrated as a symbol of national sovereignty and independence.
How does the Cuban government view May 20?
The Cuban government, particularly under Fidel Castro, dismissed May 20 as a "neocolonial" date imposed by the United States and has largely ignored or repudiated its significance.
What actions does the Cuban regime take on May 20?
On May 20, the Cuban regime often engages in repression to prevent celebrations or commemorations that do not align with its official narrative, including surveillance, arrests, and internet blackouts.