On Saturday, Cuban priest Alberto Reyes delivered a scathing critique of the official commemoration of July 26. He argues that the date, often celebrated as a revolutionary symbol, is actually "the epitome of sheer cynicism." In an extensive post on his Facebook page, Reyes elaborated on how history, over time, tends to "rearrange everything" and reveal the truth behind triumphant narratives.
Reyes contends that the attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953 was merely "a large-scale theatrical performance" designed to elevate Fidel Castro at the expense of "honest but idealistically naïve youths" who were sent into a planned suicide mission. "This is cynicism," the priest declared in a straightforward message targeting one of the icons of the so-called Cuban Revolution. "Exploiting the idealistic spirit of the youth, planning an impossibility with them, sending them to a heroic death that simultaneously glorifies the leader and ensures his survival, and then blatantly lying to create a story no one has ever truly believed," Reyes summarized pointedly.
The priest, known for being one of the most outspoken critics within the Cuban Catholic Church, also questioned the official narrative that has, for decades, glorified this date as an act of collective heroism. In reality, he stated, it marked the beginning of a long history of repression, poverty, and manipulation. "Throughout these same years," Reyes wrote, "an unrelenting oil stain of material and human deterioration, repression, lack of freedom, uncontrollable emigration, and disillusionment has spread over this nation," he emphasized.
According to the Cuban priest, the most serious issue is that this pattern of manipulation has been sustained for decades. It has turned the date into an annual cycle of "grandiose speeches attempting to defend the indefensible and trying to make the people fall in love with a dead ideal." Slogans such as "resist and overcome," "do more with less," or "trust in the bright future of socialism" — Reyes added — have been repeated ad nauseam to justify the continuous sacrifice of entire generations, much like the young people "hypnotized by an impossible ideal" who were sent to failure in 1953.
Reyes concluded his reflection with a bitter yet realistic view of the country's present: a nation that, like in 1953, is weary but no longer naive, even though it continues to be treated as such. "We are fearful, we struggle to organize, but our eyes have been opened," he concluded.
Insight into July 26 and Its Historical Impact on Cuba
What is the significance of July 26 in Cuba?
July 26 is commemorated in Cuba as the date of the Moncada Barracks attack in 1953, which is considered a pivotal event leading to the Cuban Revolution. It is officially celebrated as a symbol of revolutionary spirit.
Why does Alberto Reyes criticize the celebration of July 26?
Alberto Reyes criticizes the celebration of July 26 because he views it as a cynical manipulation of history, using the event to glorify leaders while ignoring the subsequent repression and hardship experienced by the Cuban people.
How has the narrative of July 26 been maintained over the decades according to Reyes?
According to Reyes, the narrative of July 26 has been maintained through grandiose speeches and repetitive slogans aimed at defending the revolution, despite the ongoing socio-economic struggles faced by Cubans.