The University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba has launched the 2025-2026 academic year with a series of activities designed to connect the ideology of dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) with contemporary challenges, aiming to make it "useful" in the academic and civic education of its students. This initiative, which will run until December 4, 2026, combines academic, scientific, and cultural events with traditional acts like the university vigil on November 25 and a pilgrimage to the Santa Ifigenia Heritage Cemetery. Additionally, the revolutionary reaffirmation march in October will be dedicated to Castro, according to the official publication Sierra Maestra.
Frank Josué Solar Cabrales, head of the Honorary Chair for the study of Castro's thought, explained that five historical routes have been developed in and around Santiago de Cuba, including visits to Birán and the Sierra Maestra, along with a caravan traveling the route to Havana to explore significant sites related to his life. Each department and faculty is tasked with creating activities from the perspective of their discipline, aiming to integrate Castro's ideology into areas such as engineering and technical sciences. Events are also planned with interviewers of the historical leader and the La Sierra gathering at the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, focusing on his connection with culture, sports, and the Santiago community.
According to Solar Cabrales, the goal is not merely to pay homage or indulge in nostalgia but to "bring Fidel into today's fight, make him useful, and delve into his life example so that it can assist us in current challenges." Recently, Holguín universities launched a political campaign titled "Here I Become Fidelista," a new cult-like "initiative" aimed at prepping the propaganda machine ahead of Castro's centenary in 2026. The leadership of the University Student Federation (FEU) stated that the aim is to "continue Fidel's legacy" through historically themed activities to be replicated across all universities in the country.
In preparation for the centenary of the Cuban dictator, the regime has fortified an ideological apparatus with national reach, oriented towards glorifying his figure across all spheres of public life. The program "Fidel Among Us" was designed to be integrated into educational institutions, media, state agencies, and workplaces through a network of activities including contests, tributes, seminars, and indoctrination. As part of this strategy, a nationwide campaign has been launched to ensure that all Cubans "know, defend, and love Fidel," as official spokespersons have expressed.
Understanding the University of Oriente's Initiative
What is the main goal of the University of Oriente's new program?
The primary objective is to integrate Fidel Castro's ideology with current challenges and make it useful in the academic and civic education of students.
How long will the program at the University of Oriente last?
The program is set to continue until December 4, 2026, encompassing a variety of events and activities.
What specific activities are included in the program?
The activities include academic, scientific, and cultural events, university vigils, pilgrimages, historical routes, and a revolutionary reaffirmation march dedicated to Fidel Castro.