Anniversary of the Cuban War of Independence

Havana, CubaThe war went down in history as a war of ten years. It began on October 10, 1868, under the leadership of attorney Carlos Manuel Cespedes and with the help of a small group of Cuban patriots at the sugar factory La Demagua. The commander spoke to the people calling for freedom and independence of the island by overthrowing the Spanish government.

During the first few days, the rebellion suffered many setbacks. On October 11, Cespedes attacked the small town of Jara, from which this revolution took its name, despite the fact that the attack on Jara ended in failure, and the leader escaped with only 12 of his men.

Carlos Manuel Cespedes, head of the Cuban War of Independence

October 10 - The date is commemorated in Cuba as a national holiday called Grito de Iara ("The Scream of Iara"). Carlos Manuel freed his own slaves as an example to everyone else. However, many questioned his plans for release. However, the Jara Revolution spread throughout the eastern coast of Cuba, and patriots gathered in several parts of the island agreed to support Cespedes. By the end of October, the uprising had about 12,000 volunteers.