International Seminar “Fidel por 100pre” Inaugurated in Caracas
The International Seminar “Fidel por 100pre” commenced on August 14, 2025, at the Bolívar Theater in Caracas, commemorating the 99th anniversary of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz. This event sets the stage for the centennial celebrations planned for 2026 and aims to enhance public understanding of Castro’s enduring political, social, and cultural legacy, reports 24brussels.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil presided over the opening ceremony, asserting that Castro’s influence transcends time. “It is impossible to speak of Fidel in the past,” Gil stated. “We will always speak of him in the future because the battles he called us to are battles we are still fighting—and will win.”
Gil further noted Castro’s foresight in recognizing historical changes, describing him as a visionary. “He saw what was coming and knew how to confront it,” he remarked, pointing to the ideological struggles of the late 20th century, where neoliberalism and global capitalism posed significant threats to liberation movements.
Gil also emphasized the profound connection between Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez, arguing that their united vision contradicted the prevailing notion of the “end of history.” He declared, “It’s impossible to speak of Fidel without speaking of Chávez. Together, they created what many thought was impossible.”
Reflecting on Castro’s 1989 visit to Venezuela—just weeks ahead of the Caracazo uprising—Gil noted that the Cuban leader saw revolutionary potential in the Venezuelan youth. “Fidel didn’t come to incite rebellion; he came because he saw what was already awakening in the people,” he said.
Addressing Castro’s foresight regarding Venezuela’s key role in Latin American liberation, Gil highlighted its Bolivarian heritage, geopolitical significance, and revolutionary past. He recalled the 1958 overthrow of dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez, pointing out how revolutionary forces were later betrayed by elites aligned with Washington.
The seminar revisited Castro’s backing of the 1992 military uprisings led by young officers, including Hugo Chávez, in response to the social unrest of 1989. “Only in Venezuela did we understand that the military youth were aligned with the people,” Gil remarked. “While others doubted, Fidel never hesitated.”
Organized by the Cuba–Venezuela Solidarity Movement, the event will span 19 states across Venezuela, aiming to engage new generations with Castro’s legacy through thematic panels, cultural activities, and historical reflections.
Cuban Ambassador Dagoberto Rodríguez addressed attendees, affirming that Castro’s revolutionary spirit continues to inspire those dedicated to building sovereign and just societies. “As long as there are revolutionaries who inherit his legacy, Fidel will remain among us,” Rodríguez asserted.
Blanca Eekhout, president of the Simón Bolívar Foundation, recalled the origins of sovereign media platforms like Telesur and Vive TV, products of Castro and Chávez’s collaboration. “They built tools for the people to fight and win,” she said.
The seminar features four thematic panels: the genesis of Fidel’s political thought, the Cuban Revolution as a social project, international solidarity and peace, and the youth’s role in perpetuating his legacy. Cultural expressions such as music and poetry will complement these discussions.
As Venezuela readies for Castro’s centennial in 2026, the “Fidel por 100pre” seminar stands as a call for reflection, unity, and action, reaffirming Castro’s significance in ongoing struggles for dignity, justice, and sovereignty throughout Latin America.
