Freedom Caravan: In Cuba, Caravan of the Rebel Army led by Fidel Castro, which left the Sierra Maestra when the Cuban revolution triumphed after the National Liberation War, heading to Havana to take power. The caravan left Santiago de Cuba on January 2, 1959, visiting every town along the way, until arriving in Havana on January 8, covering a total of more than 1,000 kilometers.
Still celebrating New Year’s Day on January 1, 1959, the people of Cuba learned of the flight of dictator Fulgencio Batista at 4:00 a.m., and took to the streets to celebrate again. Batista had resigned from power, leaving General Eulogio Cantillo in control of the situation until a new government could be formed.
In El Cotorro, Havana’s territory, the head of the Rebel Army embraces his son Fidelito, and in La Virgen del Camino he is joined by Camilo Cienfuegos. The caravan passes in front of the Atarés Castle, the railroad overpasses and the Tallapiedra power plant.
In front of the Navy headquarters, tied to the dock, is the Granma Yacht. Fidel gets off the tank and boards the boat, together with a retinue of rebel officers. The caravan turns down Las Misiones Avenue and arrives at the Presidential Palace. From its north terrace, after Manuel Urrutia, the provisional president, introduces the maximum leader, he speaks to the people.
The Caravan takes Malecón and goes up 23rd Street. At Radiocentro it talks with some artists, and in the midst of the popular joy it continues towards Marianao.
“We have gone a long way, perhaps a considerable step forward. Here we are in the capital, here we are in Columbia, the revolutionary forces seem victorious; the government is constituted, recognized by numerous countries of the world, it seems that peace has been conquered; and, nevertheless, we should not be optimistic. While the people were laughing today, while the people were rejoicing, we were worried; and the more extraordinary was the crowd that came to receive us, and the more extraordinary was the joy of the people, the greater was our concern, because the greater was also our responsibility before history and before the people of Cuba.”
Fidel Castro