- Title: CUBA: Cuba celebrates Fidel Castro's 85th birthday
- Date: 14th August 2011
- Summary: VARIOUS OF FERNANDEZ ON STAGE CUBAN SINGER CANDIDO FABRE AND BAND VARIOUS OF PUBLIC DANCING WHILST HOLDING UP PHOTOS OF FIDEL CASTRO
- Embargoed: 29th August 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Cuba, Cuba
- Country: Cuba
- Topics: Politics,People
- Reuters ID: LVA1QIYEHAHMMNFTSZRXA2WN62KN
- Story Text: Celebrations kicked off in Havana in the early hours of Saturday (August 13) as Cubans celebrate the life of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on his 85th birthday.
A who's who of the country's music scene descended on Havana's Karl Marx theatre for a special concert called "Serenade of Happiness" to launch a series of cultural events in Castro's honour. Renowned Cuban pianist maestro Frank Fernandez joined the legendary singer Omara Portuondo to wow a large crowd of well-wishers as a montage of images from the revolutionary's life were projected on giant screens in the capital.
"I, like everyone here, have come here to show our dear Fidel, our love and respect," said Fernandez.
Proving that Cubans know how to party, a jubilant crowd lapped up the festivities shouting words of praise to their ailing leader.
"Much prosperity, happiness and love for him, he deserves it. And for our people, because without him we would not have what we have," exclaimed public servant Marta Arrosanera.
Across town Fidel Castro's son and photographer, Alex Castro, launched a special photographic exhibition dedicated to his father with the famed Cuban painter Nelson Dominguez titled "Knight At Dawn." With almost 50 years at the helm of the communist-island, the photos encapsulates the life of a man both loved and loathed by millions the world over.
"Choosing these photos was a problem for me because I liked them all but he (Nelson Dominguez) saw the expression of the person in the photos. Nelson helped choose some of the photos that do the job. Then, I thought it was a good idea that we choose the pictures that resemble the painting that Nelson Dominguez did (of Fidel Castro)," said Alex Castro.
With a life that includes the humble guerrilla campaign that ousted U.S.-backed dictator Flugencio Batista, the threat of nuclear oblivion during the Cuban missile crisis and his biggest challenge so far, Castro's failing health, the photos show off a man that for many Cubans is an indispensable part of the country.
"I have been put behind the camera, to form a collection of photos and things about him. Not just photos but those that hold a memory of my Fidel, who is mine, and I feel good (about the photos). And this is just the beginning of a collection that I want to do more with, with more time, preparation, study and research into Fidel," said Dominguez.
Despite giving up his presidency to his brother Raul Castro in 2008, Fidel is still an important figure in communist-ruled Cuba, but increasingly a fading political presence.
The man once famous for his hours-long speeches is rarely seen or heard from and has stood largely on the sidelines as the island struggles to reform Cuba's Soviet-style economy.
However, millions of celebrating Cubans are hopeful that the ailing leader will make an appearance at his many birthday celebrations. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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