On May 1, 1959, Camagüey celebrated the first International Workers’ Day after the revolutionary triumph. The presence of Commander Camilo Cienfuegos Gorriarán in a historic speech further enhances the date. After 60 years, the memories of Juan García Molina, an eyewitness, return the fact with the same energy of that moment.
A young man of 81 years
Juan García Molina dedicated his life to veterinary medicine and to his country. At 81 years of age, he remembers with emotion transcendental moments that time has not managed to erase from his memory.
He was only a young man of 20 years of age at the triumph of the Revolution, but since the years of the clandestine struggle he had demonstrated his worth and fidelity to the Homeland. In the first months of 1959, he worked as head of the Second Police Station and for that reason he had to live close to that May Day.
“Joaquín Agramonte, coordinator of the 26th of July Movement in the province sent me to search along with other colleagues. The objective was to help maintain discipline and order during the parade, because many people had come from all parts, from Jatibonico to Guáimaro. “Camagüey at that time was a very large province.” Rememora García.
However: “Camilo said that it was not necessary, that he believed that Camagüey was a civilized town and as such would treat it and responded with the charisma that assisted it”.
It was then that he saw Camilo Cienfuegos up close for the first time. I did not imagine that a few months later, history would find them again for different reasons. But that is material for another encounter.
Memories of an ovation
Juan García today combs gray hair, but clearly remembers the emotion of that moment. The crowd looked forward to the speech of the Hero of Yaguajay. The expectation and fervor that was lived made women, men, children and the elderly, come to the appointment, according to Juan, “arranging all kinds of transport from distant places.”
The bustle of the crowd reigned until the Commander of the Rebel Army delivered his speech and in one of the greatest moments he said: “unity is triumph. In the unity is the true consolidation of the Revolution and the freedom we enjoy today. ”
Those words come alive during the conversation. “Camilo spoke clearly to the people. He said that these were moments of being united, he raised the problems to be solved and said that “we had to move forward with the revolution.” This is how Juan summed up that call for unity that is maintained today with the same force for Cubans.
Then he adds: “when Camilo spoke, the people applauded him with devotion and with zeal”. Juan remains silent for a few seconds as if going back in time and continues: “He spoke to the people of Camagüey with affection and everyone responded with the loyalty that he deserved.”
Camagüey and Camilo
The guerrilla leader arrived in the city of the clay pots the day before the famous commemoration. According to the story, he toured the streets of the city and met with the organizers of the event. On May first, he led the parade with the crowd and addressed those present at the Casino Campestre.
His visit was brief, that same day he left. In those moments innumerable tasks occupied their time, however, the footprint left by those present was profound.
“Camagüey has always loved Camilo”, were the words of Juan García to describe the relationship between the Camaguey and one of the most important men in the history of Cuba.
Although 60 years have passed since these events, that feeling overwhelms those who were born on this earth, through the memories of some and the stories that transcend from one generation to the next.
“He earned the respect and admiration of everyone. Camilo also wanted Camagüey, “says Juan García Molina.
Photo: Heriberto Valdivia Jiménez
Translated into English by Laura Evelyn Villamar De Armas
