Commemoration Marks 49 Years Since Cuban Plane Bombing
On October 6, Cuba commemorated the 49th anniversary of the sabotage of a Cubana de Aviación plane off the coast of Barbados, which resulted in the deaths of 73 people, reports 24brussels.
The main ceremony took place at the Colón Necropolis in Havana, attended by relatives of the victims, government officials, and youth representatives. Floral tributes were laid by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other authorities to honor those who lost their lives, including athletes from the national fencing team, 24 of whom were killed in the attack.
Speeches during the event emphasized the historical gravity of the tragedy, which was orchestrated by Cuban terrorist groups with the backing of U.S. entities. The authorities reiterated their call for justice and highlighted the need to remember the victims of state terrorism.
The plane explosion on October 6, 1976, resulted in 73 fatalities. Perpetrators were detained in Venezuela, while the chief organizers, Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles, later resided in the United States. In Cuba, October 6 is commemorated as the Day of the Victims of State Terrorism.
Annual observances are held to honor those who perished in the attack and to remember other victims of terrorism against Cuba. Similar memorial events occurred in Venezuela, where Governor José Alejandro Terán led a tribute alongside Cuban Ambassador Dagoberto Rodríguez, reinforcing the historical ties between the two nations.
Social and diplomatic organizations participated in the commemorations, which extended to various provinces. Schools and workplaces organized meetings, exhibitions, and cultural activities to pay homage to the victims of the attack.
