Camagüey treasures a history of unequaled value in terms of events and personalities. May 1st, 1959 was one of those days impossible to forget; since Commander Camilo Cienfuegos presided over the central act in the province; for International Workers’ Day.

His speech took place at the Casino Campestre and thanks to the magic of sound that also endures as a historical memory, today I share with you moments of that intervention; where his joyful voice and man of bravery without blemish; it is lit to last in our Camagüey.

“It is impossible to choose a better year than this year of freedom, to come to this heroic city of Camagüey …

In unity there is triumph, in unity there is the true consolidation of the revolution and the freedom we enjoy today…

We cannot divide; army, people and workers must be more united every day…

We know the courage and patriotism of the men and women of Camagüey, this province gave the Revolution many martyrs, many heroes emerged from this province…

This Revolution has something great; it has taught the men of America how to fight…

But of this Camagüey that is marching at the forefront of the Cuban provinces we feel proud and consider it part of our family…

Brothers from Camagüey, you are doing very well, each coming year the number of workers who come to march must be bigger, to form a single block that will make it possible for the Cuban Revolution; not only be the lighthouse of America, but the lighthouse of the whole world”

In honor of that day, the people of Camagüey and foreigners can enjoy a plaque dedicated to this event that is remembered for posterity; one of the moments of the Señor de la Vanguardia in the city of the waterpots; because the first celebration of International Workers’ Day, after the revolutionary triumph of 1959, to our pride was with Camilo Cienfuegos.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García