Cuban torch march honours independence hero Martí's legacy
World
Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel and former President Raul Castro led the procession
HAVANA (Reuters) – Thousands of Cubans illuminated Havana's streets with torches on Monday night as part of the traditional March of the Torches, commemorating the birth of national hero Jose Marti.
Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel and former President Raul Castro led the procession, joined by government officials and representatives of the "historic generation", referring to those who lived through or participated in The Cuban Revolution of 1959.
The march, that primarily involved students who carried lit torches and Cuban flags, is held annually on the eve of Marti's birthday. The route runs from the University of Havana's steps to the Fragua Martiana, a former prison-turned-museum where Marti was once detained.
Initiated by the Federation of University Students of Cuba in 1953, the inaugural event marked the centenary of Martí, who was born on January 28, 1853, and died in combat in 1895 during Cuba's war of independence from Spain.
