ADVERTISEMENT

Cuba's icon laid to rest, ending nine days of mourning

Castro's cremated remains were due to be placed a few steps from the mausoleum of independence hero Jose Marti.

The urn with the ashes of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro leaves Revolution Square in Santiago, on December 4, 2016

A private ceremony was held at Santiago's Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, state media reported.

Castro's cremated remains were due to be placed a few steps from the mausoleum of independence hero Jose Marti, another towering figure of Cuban history who Castro long admired.

Castro died on Nov. 25 aged 90. He had been out of power for a decade but never far from the center of public life, writing a periodic column on world and local matters and receiving foreign dignitaries at his home on the outskirts of Havana.

He gave Cuba an outsized influence in world affairs, but leaves a mixed legacy. He was feted by Nelson Mandela for helping end apartheid at a time the West supported the racist system, but also helped take the world to the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis.

ADVERTISEMENT

Forced to step down due to an intestinal ailment, Castro ceded power to his younger brother, current President Raul Castro, at first provisionally in 2006 and then definitively in 2008. Cuba has not revealed the cause of his death.

In keeping with his wishes, Castro's image will not be immortalized with statues nor will public places be named after him, his brother said on Saturday.

Initially the act at the cemetery was due to be carried live on television, but hours before official media announced it would be "solemn and private."

Cuban television cut from live coverage at the appointed hour of 7 a.m. EST (1200 GMT). At that moment in Havana, military cannons unleashed a 21-gun salute that thundered across the capital city.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT