On March 13, 1957, once again the Cuban youth became the protagonist of the nation’s history. Fulgencio Batista’s tyranny had plunged Cuba into endless social problems and economic shortages; the political situation was very tense in those days, and for those who spoke out against it, repression was assured.
But this did not stop a group of young people from the Revolutionary Directorate, the armed wing of the FEU, under the leadership of José Antonio Echavarría. Their ideals of justice had already become conviction, and in the name of that justice they decided to storm the presidential palace.
The final goal was to put an end to the regime by killing its representative, in addition to encouraging national mobilization. To do this, it was necessary to warn the population in real time, hence it was also agreed to take over Radio Reloj.
The actions took place in the afternoon. The fight in the presidential palace was bloody, but even so, some 50 young people managed to reach the second floor of the building, where Batista was supposed to be. To their surprise, the presidential office had an emergency staircase that allowed him to escape.
Meanwhile, in the broadcasting studio of Radio Reloj José Antonio Echavarría was informing the people about what had happened. In his speech he said: People of Cuba! At this moment the dictator Fulgencio Batista has just been executed in a revolutionary manner. In his own den of the Presidential Palace, the people of Cuba have gone to settle his account”.
The actions of March 13, 1957, although they did not achieve their objectives, showed the fighting disposition of the Cuban people. Today, 68 years later, this date continues to evoke the patriotism and courage that have always characterized our youth.
Written by Journalism student Yadila Mesa Chacón
Related article
A failure that left a lasting impression on the Cuban people
March 13, 1957 advanced the path to victory in Cuba
