The Cuban Classical Liberal Party (PLCC), under the leadership of its president Amelia Calzadilla, is orchestrating a "triple event" in Madrid to mark the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests, which were the largest public demonstrations in Cuba in decades.
Scheduled from July 9 to 11, 2026, the events are organized in collaboration with Disidencias en Movimiento and Somos Más, aiming to keep alive the memory of the significant civic uprising against the dictatorship, highlight the plight of political prisoners, and envision a democratic future for Cuba.
In an interview with Tania Costa, Calzadilla was candid about the occasion's significance. "On July 11, we plan to have a triple event. We will commemorate it beautifully because we think it might be the last time we celebrate it this way, while the dictatorship is still in power."
The agenda kicks off on July 9 with an open-entry discussion at Casa del Cura in Madrid, moderated by Dayana Prieto. Among the confirmed panelists are Javier Larrondo, president of Prisoners Defenders, which advocates for political prisoners in Cuba; Solveig Font; Yunior García Aguilera; Manuel Alejandro Rodríguez; and Elías Rizo León, who became an iconic figure of the July 11 protests by waving a Cuban flag atop a police car at just 16 years old.
Reflecting on that photograph, Calzadilla remarked, "I believe it's the memorable image of July 11, showing how the people reached a point of exhaustion, anxiety, and desperation, yet found courage and strength where they didn’t have it before."
The Struggle for Freedom and Recognition
The discussion will focus on the memory of July 11, the current situation of political prisoners, and the intensified repression over the past five years. According to Prisoners Defenders, Cuba hit a record of 1,260 political prisoners as of May 2026.
On July 10 at 6:00 PM, an international colloquium will take place at the Tocororo bar-restaurant in San Sebastián de los Reyes, moderated by Antonio Guedes, founder of the Unión Liberal de Cuba and close collaborator of the late Carlos Alberto Montaner.
Calzadilla described Guedes as "a true pillar" for her party and indicated that the colloquium will discuss Cuba's future amidst a genuine democratic transition, contrasting it with what she called "the pseudo-transformation the communists are attempting now, knowing they are already lost."
Looking Towards a Democratic Future
The colloquium has limited seating; interested individuals must request participation via Somos Más's email.
The highlight of the commemoration will be on July 11, a Saturday, with a gathering at Madrid's Puerta del Sol from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring informational booths, political speeches, and concluding with a concert by young Cubans.
The event takes on special significance as the sentence of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, leader of the San Isidro Movement imprisoned since the July 11 protests in 2021, officially ends on July 9, 2026, as confirmed by the Supreme People's Court in April 2026 without any parole for good behavior.
Calzadilla emphasized their anticipation for Otero Alcántara's release, stating, "There are too many reasons to encourage celebrating this July 11, the day of rebellion for Cubans, in a special way."
She also highlighted the current atmosphere in Cuba, where protests have spread across all provinces, with Havana playing a significant role. "People are demanding something much deeper and more sensible, which is freedom."
Calzadilla concluded her call with a phrase encapsulating the spirit of the entire event: "We hope that next year we will be celebrating in freedom."
Understanding the Impact of July 11 Protests
What is the significance of the July 11 protests in Cuba?
The July 11 protests were the largest demonstrations against the Cuban government in decades, highlighting the public's frustration with the regime and calling for freedom and change.
Who is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a prominent Cuban artist and leader of the San Isidro Movement, known for his activism against the Cuban government. He has been imprisoned since the July 11 protests in 2021.
What is the goal of the Cuban Classical Liberal Party's event in Madrid?
The event aims to preserve the memory of the July 11 protests, raise awareness of the ongoing situation of political prisoners, and discuss the prospects for a democratic future in Cuba.