27/10/2025
Embassy of Cuba Celebrates First-Ever Cuban Cultural Day in Sierra Leone
By Ibrahim S. Bangura
In a vibrant ceremony held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Embassy of Cuba in Aberdeen, Freetown, Ambassador Norma Sánchez Águila led the celebration of Cuba’s National Day of Culture, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Cuba and Africa. This celebration today is dedicated to the centenary of the commander of the Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz, the centenary of the playwright Abelardo Estorino and the centenary of the student’s movements promoted by Julio Antonio Mella and the 95th of Armando Hart Dávalos. 45 years ago, Cuba’s National Day of Culture was declared on August 22, 1980, with the date of October 20 chosen to commemorate the first public singing of the national anthem, “La Bayamesa”. The anthem was first sung on October 20, 1868, after independence fighters liberated the city of Bayamo.
This event, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, commemorated on the 20th October, 1868, it is historic day when the Cuban flag was first raised and the national anthem was sung during the island’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
The celebration featured the playing of national anthems, artistic exhibitions by the group of Sierra Leonean painters Kompin artists, and displays of Cuban art and music. Guests included representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic corps, and the local community.
Performances from members of the Veteran Artists Association–SL (VAA–SL) added color to the event. The Voice of Fire Junior choir performed You Are My Refuge and What a Great God Is Jesus; the Balusaju Kids presented an energetic gymnastics display; and I-Bangs performed “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion on the flute. The celebration brought together guests from diverse backgrounds, diplomats, artists, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Speaking exclusively to Premier News, Ambassador Águila emphasized the significance of the National Day of Culture, observed annually from October 10 to 20, as a celebration not only of artistic expression but also of Cuba’s identity, that shaped by centuries of resistance and revolution. “Many years ago, on the 20th of October, was the first time the Cuban flag was raised and the people sang our national anthem. That is why we play our anthem as we begin our commemoration of the Cuban Day of Culture,” she said.
For the ambassador, who presented her credentials to President Julius Maada Bio in June 2025, this day holds both national and personal importance. “For me, it’s everything. Culture is very important because when you have your culture, you have your identity as a person. We must defend it, because culture is not just one thing, it’s our knowledge, language, traditions, history. It is everything that makes us who we are,” she stated.
Referencing the vision of Fidel Castro Ruz, Ambassador Águila added: “We were blessed to have Fidel, who thought about every detail, people, culture, and knowledge, all vital to society. That’s why culture remains one of the strongest pillars of our nation. One of Castro’s remarkable legacies was his deep solidarity with Africa. He viewed African struggles as interconnected with Cuba’s fight against colonialism and oppression.”
Castro’s Cuba sent military, medical, and educational aid to numerous African countries fighting for independence or against apartheid. Notably:
Angola:
Cuba played a decisive role in Angola’s liberation struggle. In 1975, at the request of the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), Cuba sent troops and military advisers to help resist South African and U.S.-backed UNITA and FNLA forces. The Cuban intervention was instrumental in securing the MPLA’s control over the capital, Luanda, and ultimately in achieving Angola’s independence from Portugal.
Namibia:
Cuba’s military involvement in Angola indirectly contributed to Namibia’s independence. The defeat of South African forces in key battles such as Cuito Cuanavale (1987–1988) weakened South Africa’s apartheid regime and forced it to negotiate. These developments paved the way for the implementation of UN Resolution 435, leading to Namibia’s independence in 1990, and other countries.
Cuba also offered thousands of scholarships to African students to study medicine, engineering, and education. Castro often emphasized Cuba’s African roots, acknowledging that its music, dance, and religion were shaped by Africans who were brought to the island during slavery. He saw Cuba’s African heritage as a source of pride and solidarity.
Because of this deep relationship, many African nations view Fidel Castro as a friend of Africa. Streets, schools, and hospitals in Angola, Namibia, and South Africa have been named after him. Leaders such as Nelson Mandela praised Castro for his support for African liberation, famously stating, “The Cuban people hold a special place in the hearts of the peoples of Africa.”
Ambassador Águila further explained that Cuba’s uniqueness lies in its spirit of solidarity and generosity: “We believe we must share what we have, even the little we possess, with those in need. That’s why we send our professionals, doctors, engineers, teachers, to help our friends around the world.”
She added that this spirit of solidarity extends deeply to Africa: “For us, Africans are more than friends; they are part of us. We are mixed, African, Spanish, Chinese, Arab, but we never forget that the strength of our ancestors, many of whom came from Africa by force, helped shape Cuba’s freedom and identity.”
Cuba’s African heritage remains deeply woven into its cultural and political fabric. Enslaved Africans brought to the island between the 16th and 19th centuries played key roles in independence movements, infusing African rhythms, beliefs, and resilience into Cuban life. This shared legacy inspired Cuba’s strong support for African nations throughout the 20th century, from military aid against apartheid in Angola and Namibia to large-scale medical missions across the continent.
In Sierra Leone, that solidarity has been life-changing. During the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, Cuba deployed 165 health workers, the largest contingent from any country. The “Henry Reeve” medical brigade, named after an American who fought in Cuba’s independence war, treated thousands and trained local staff, helping contain the epidemic that claimed over 3,900 lives in Sierra Leone. In 2017 Cuba sent 10 medical personnel to assist Sierra Leone during the mudslides. In 2020, at the height of COVID-19, Cuba sent 16 doctors and nurses to assist the country’s response efforts.
Beyond healthcare, educational exchanges between the two nations continue to flourish. Dozens of Sierra Leonean students have studied medicine in Cuba on government scholarships and have since returned home to contribute to national development and now there are 18 Sierra Leonean students studying medicine. Diplomatic relations, established on April 24, 1972, marked their 53th anniversary, reflecting five decades of cooperation in health, education, and culture.
In her closing message, she said: “Cuba will always stand with you. We will help whenever you need us. As Cuba’s ambassador, I am here to work hand in hand with the people of Sierra Leone and to strengthen our friendship and cooperation.” She thanked everyone who attended the celebration.
The attendees applauded the ambassador for her leadership and collaboration with Sierra Leone. “We are very proud to have the Embassy of Cuba in Sierra Leone. With collaboration and unity, our nations will grow,” Mariama Sesay, one of the attendees, said.
