Cuba’s Iconic Figures Unveiled

Revolutionary & Political Icons

This section provides factual, historical context for the statues, posters, and place names you will encounter. It is designed to enhance your understanding of the figures who have shaped modern Cuba.

José Martí: The Apostle of Independence

Who He Was: A poet, essayist, and national hero, José Martí became the symbol of Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain in the 19th century.

Why He Matters: Considered the “Apostle of Cuban Independence,” his writings and philosophy are foundational to the Cuban national identity. He is a unifying figure revered across the political spectrum.

Where You’ll See Him:

• His image is ubiquitous: in parks, on peso banknotes (the 1 CUP note), and in the name of Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV).
• The towering José Martí Memorial dominates Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución.
• Busts and statues in his honor are found in nearly every town square across the country.

Ernesto “Che” Guevara: The Face of Revolution

Who He Was: An Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, and a major figure of the Cuban Revolution alongside Fidel Castro.

Why He Matters: His image has become a global counter-cultural symbol of rebellion. In Cuba, he represents revolutionary sacrifice, integrity, and internationalism.

Where You’ll See Him:

• The iconic silhouette appears on murals, t-shirts, and souvenirs everywhere.
• The massive Che Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial in Santa Clara is a key pilgrimage site, housing his remains.
• His image is on the 3 CUP banknote.
• The famous steel outline adorns a building in the Plaza de la Revolución, alongside the phrase “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” (Until Victory, Always).

Fidel Castro: El Comandante

Who He Was: A Cuban revolutionary and politician who was the central figure of the Cuban Revolution and led the country as its head of government from 1959 to 2008.

Why He Matters: He fundamentally reshaped Cuban society and its relationship with the world. His legacy is complex, powerful, and deeply felt by Cubans from all walks of life.

Where You’ll See Him:

• It is important to note that following his death, a law was passed forbidding the naming of streets or monuments after Fidel, respecting his personal wishes. Therefore, you will not see statues of him as you do of Che or Martí.
• His presence is felt through revolutionary slogans, famous quotes on billboards, and within museums dedicated to the revolution, such as the Museo de la Revolución in Havana.
• You will hear his name invoked frequently in conversations about Cuba’s past, present, and future, offering a glimpse into the country’s living history.

Arts & Culture Luminaries

This section highlights the figures who shaped Cuba’s vibrant cultural scene, leaving an indelible mark on its literature, music, and dance.

Ernest Hemingway: The Adopted Son

Who He Was: The iconic American novelist and Nobel Prize laureate who lived in Cuba for over 20 years, a period that profoundly influenced his life and work.

Why He Matters: He immortalized Cuba in his literary classics like The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream. His time on the island remains a major draw for literary tourism.

Where You’ll See Him:

• Visit his beautifully preserved home, Finca Vigía, now a museum located just outside Havana.
• Find his life-sized bronze statue and enjoy a daiquiri at his favorite Havana watering hole, El Floridita.
• Explore the quiet fishing village of Cojímar, the coastal setting that inspired The Old Man and the Sea.

Alicia Alonso: The Prima Ballerina Assoluta

Who She Was: A legendary ballet dancer and choreographer who founded the world-renowned Ballet Nacional de Cuba. She remarkably continued to direct and choreograph even after losing most of her sight.

Why She Matters: She is credited with bringing ballet to the Cuban people and establishing a premier company and school with a distinct, powerful Cuban style recognized globally.

Where You’ll See Her:

• Havana’s magnificent opera house, the Gran Teatro de La Habana, is officially named the “Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso” in her honor.
• Her enduring influence is evident in the exceptionally high quality of ballet and dance performances available to experience across the island.

Compay Segundo: The Sound of Buena Vista

Who He Was: A guitarist, singer, and composer who was a key member of the Buena Vista Social Club. His real name was Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz.

Why He Matters: In the late 1990s, he became an international ambassador for traditional Cuban son music, sparking a global revival of interest in the genre and its veteran artists.

Where You’ll See Him:

• His music is part of the essential soundtrack of Cuba; you will hear it drifting from restaurants, bars, and the speakers of classic cars.
• Live music venues in Havana and Trinidad frequently feature talented bands playing his classic songs, most notably the unforgettable “Chan Chan.”
• While he is the most famous, it is worth remembering that he represents a whole generation of master musicians whose careers were revitalized by the Buena Vista Social Club project.