Esteemed journalist Alfredo Carralero Hernández, originally from Holguín, passed away on Wednesday in Havana. His death was due to a liver condition that had kept him hospitalized at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital.
The Cuban News Agency (ACN), where Carralero dedicated a significant part of his career, confirmed the news. In recognition of his contributions, ACN honored him in 2019 with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest accolade the agency bestows upon its journalists.
Born in the rural neighborhood of Antillita in the Holguín municipality of Antilla, Carralero, affectionately known as "El Carra," discovered his passion for journalism at the tender age of 12 or 13. He was inspired by watching his father meticulously read newspapers and magazines.
Though he graduated as an electrician from the Holguín Technological Institute, Carralero never pursued that field. Instead, in 1969, he embarked on his journalism career as a correspondent for the Juventud Rebelde newspaper in the former Banes and Antilla region, following a training course in Havana.
Influential Career in Cuban Media
Throughout his extensive career, Carralero contributed to the Santiago de Cuba-based newspaper Sierra Maestra, the Banes weekly Antorcha, and the Holguín weekly ¡Ahora!, where he served as director. These publications were under the control of the Cuban Communist Party.
At the helm of ¡Ahora!, he founded the magazines Ámbito, focused on cultural events, and Serranía, which mirrored life in the mountains. He also spearheaded informative segments such as Agente PNR and Ante el tribunal.
Decades of Service with Cuban News Agency
His association with ACN spanned approximately 37 years, during which he led the agency's bureaus in Sancti Spíritus, which he founded, Ciego de Ávila, and Holguín, the latter from 2002 until his retirement.
Carralero earned numerous accolades, including the Vanguardia Nacional category in 1998, the Shield of Holguín awarded by the provincial government at the behest of the Cuban Journalists Union, and the Abraham Portuondo Award for lifetime work, received in March 2023. He was also honored with the Commemorative Coin for the 60th anniversary of UPEC in July of the same year.
Legacy and Recent Losses in Cuban Journalism
His passing adds to the list of official Cuban journalists who have died in 2026, including Héctor Paz Alomar from the Invasor newspaper in Ciego de Ávila, veteran Radio Reloj reporter Lázaro José Chiang Macate, and Santiago Ramírez Frías from Cárdenas radio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alfredo Carralero Hernández
What was Alfredo Carralero Hernández's main contribution to journalism?
Alfredo Carralero Hernández is best known for his long-standing career with the Cuban News Agency (ACN) and his leadership at the Holguín weekly ¡Ahora!, where he founded influential magazines and informative segments.
How did Alfredo Carralero Hernández begin his journalism career?
Carralero began his journalism career in 1969 as a correspondent for Juventud Rebelde in the Banes and Antilla region after completing a training course in Havana.
What awards did Alfredo Carralero Hernández receive during his lifetime?
He received numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ACN, the Vanguardia Nacional category, the Shield of Holguín, and the Abraham Portuondo Award for lifetime work.