- by Graham Holton
- The Guardian
- Issue #2192
Raúl Castro. Photo: Presidencia de El Salvador – wikimedia.org (CC0 1.0)
On 3 June 2026 Raúl Castro will turn 95 years of age; a birthday politically and symbolically tied to the Cuban Revolution. As Cuba discourages any overt ‘cult of personality,’ the celebrations are framed to honour the Revolution.
This year is especially tough as the Cuban people face great hardship and suffering due to the United States’ increased sanctions – a violation of international laws.
Raúl Castro is seen as one of the central architects of the Cuban Revolution, a revolutionary commander alongside his brother Fidel, a defender of Cuban sovereignty, and an important symbol of resistance against US imperialism and hegemony.
Messages of congratulations come from the Communist Party of Cuba and state institutions, with tributes in Granma and Cuban television. Ceremonies are linked to revolutionary history, the armed forces, and anti-imperialist themes. Cultural events feature revolutionary music, poetry, and speeches praising the continuity of the Revolution. Youth and labour organisations present flowers, books, and symbolic gifts.
Raúl Castro receives support from communist and left-wing parties around the world, especially those that view the Cuban Revolution as a symbol of anti-imperialism, socialism, and resistance to US imperialism. Raúl is seen as the organisational and military strategist who introduced economic reforms and maintained the Cuban state after the Soviet collapse.
In Latin America the Communist Party of Cuba is supported by the Communist parties of Chile, Brazil, and Venezuela, as well as the Sandinista National Liberation Front and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front. They praise Cuba’s healthcare, education, and resistance to US sanctions.
In Europe support comes from the communist parties of Greece, Portugal, France, and Spain. The Communist Party of Germany, Die Linke and other European left-wing parties also support Cuba. In Asia the Communist parties of China, and Vietnam, the Workers’ Party of Korea, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly support Cuba. In Africa, liberation-era parties with socialist roots maintain friendly relations with Cuba because of its involvement in their anti-colonial struggles. These include the African National Congress, South African Communist Party, the MPLA and SWAPO.
Of course, the Communist Party of Australia is a strong supporter of Castro and the Cuban revolution.
Castro’s birthday is notable this year because Cuba is facing an absurd US indictment against him over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian planes, belonging to the Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Cuba maintains that the aircraft were violating Cuban airspace. The indictment of the 94-year-old is politically motivated and aims to increase political pressure on Cuba.
