Fidel Castro

NAME Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Fidel Castro is best known as the revolutionary leader of Cuba who established the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere and ruled the country for nearly five decades.

BIRTH Fidel Castro was born out of wedlock on August 13, 1926, at his father’s farm in Birán, Cuba.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Castro was the illegitimate son of Ángel Castro, a wealthy Spanish sugarcane farmer, and Lina Ruz, a household servant. He was later formally recognized by his father.

CHILDHOOD Castro's childhood was marked by privilege and a strong sense of social justice. Known for being rebellious and troublesome, Castro was sent to a Jesuit boarding school in Santiago de Cuba. His wealthier classmates often teased him, calling him a "peasant."

Castro developed a love for sports and was voted Cuba’s best schoolboy athlete in 1944. He was recognized for his athletic abilities, particularly in baseball. 

EDUCATION Castro attended the University of Havana, where he graduated as a Doctor of Law in September 1950. He was an active student leader with a passion for politics. 

CAREER RECORD Castro co-founded a legal partnership serving poor Cubans but struggled financially. His political career began in earnest with the Cuban Revolution, leading to his rise as Prime Minister in 1959 and later as President.

APPEARANCE Castro was known for his distinctive appearance—tall and imposing, with a thick beard that became his trademark throughout his revolutionary career.

Castro c. 1959

FASHION Castro's fashion sense was simple and practical. He preferred military fatigues, symbolizing his revolutionary spirit and connection with the Cuban people. and often wore a beret.

CHARACTER Charismatic and determined, Castro was a complex figure with a deep belief in Marxism-Leninism. He was also known for his fiery oratory skills, once delivering a speech at the UN that lasted over four hours. He was also criticized for his authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

SENSE OF HUMOR Castro had a dry, sardonic sense of humor, often using wit to deflect criticism or to rally his supporters.

RELATIONSHIPS Castro married Mirta Diaz-Balart on October 11, 1948 in Banes, Cuba. They spent their honeymoon in New York City. The Castros had one son, Fidelito the following year. The couple divorced in 1955 (while Castro was in exile). 

Castro, Mirta and Fidelito

Castro's second and longest marriage was to Dalia Soto Del Valle, a teacher involved in the government's literacy campaign. They met in 1961 during a speech in Villa Clara. At Castro's request, she moved to Havana and eventually joined him at Punto Cero as his permanent partner. Their relationship remained private until 2006, when a photograph of them together at the Party Congress revealed her identity. 

Castro and Dalia had five sons, all of whom began with the letter 'A,' and three of whom were variations of 'Alexander' (a nod to Alexander the Great).

Their relationship remained private until 2006, when a photograph of them together at the Party Congress revealed her identity. 

Castro had a close and enduring relationship with Celia Sánchez, a prominent Cuban revolutionary who played a key role in the Cuban Revolution alongside Castro.

Their relationship was one of deep respect, admiration, and camaraderie. Sánchez was a loyal and dedicated supporter of Castro, and she served as his personal secretary and confidante for many years. While their relationship was often described as platonic, some have speculated that there may have been a romantic element to it. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.

Sánchez's death on January 11, 1980 was a significant loss for Castro, and he mourned her deeply. She is remembered as a courageous and dedicated revolutionary who played a vital role in the Cuban Revolution.

Celia Sanchez

MONEY AND FAME He lived in a modest home and did not accumulate personal wealth. Despite his modest personal lifestyle, Castro wielded immense power and influence. He deliberately avoided any cult of personality, even prohibiting the use of his name for public honors.

FOOD AND DRINK Castro was known to have a simple diet, often consisting of fish, rice, and beans. He was also a heavy smoker and drinker.

Castro had a well-known obsession with dairy, particularly ice cream, and once consumed 18 scoops in a single sitting. He even initiated projects to breed super cows in Cuba.

MUSIC AND ARTS While not a musician, Castro appreciated the arts and recognized their importance in Cuban culture, supporting revolutionary and traditional Cuban music.

LITERATURE Castro was a voracious reader and was known to have a wide range of literary interests. He was particularly fond of historical fiction and revolutionary and political literature. His speeches often referenced Marxist and Leninist ideologies.

NATURE Castro was a passionate advocate for nature and frequently emphasized the importance of agriculture and environmental conservation in Cuba. He often retreated to his private estate in the countryside.

PETS Castro had a number of pets, including dogs and horses.

Castro’s obsession with dairy led to him breeding cows, which he treated with particular care.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS A passionate fisherman, Castro also enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, and playing baseball.

Castro was an avid sportsman, excelling in baseball and being voted Cuba’s best schoolboy athlete in 1944. He even tried out for the Washington Senators baseball team.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Castro valued scientific advancement, particularly in the fields of medicine and agriculture, and established Cuba as a leader in medical research.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Castro was influenced by Marxist-Leninist philosophy and considered himself a materialist.

A declared atheist, Castro had a complex relationship with religion, clashing with the Catholic Church post-revolution while promoting Marxist-Leninist ideology.

POLITICS Castro’s politics were deeply rooted in anti-imperialism and Marxism-Leninism. On December 2, 1961, he delivered a televised speech in which he declared himself a Marxist-Leninist. Castro's leadership established Cuba as a communist state and a Soviet ally during the Cold War.

Fidel Castro first adopted leftist ideas while a law student at the University of Havana. He soon found himself on the barricades, rallying the troops against right-wing tyrants in the Dominican Republic and Colombia. Next on his hit list was the Cuban president, Fulgencio Batista. In 1953, he launched a daring raid on the Moncada Barracks, a military outpost that might as well have been Fort Knox. It was a disaster, and Castro ended up behind bars for a year.

But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Castro emerged from prison more determined than ever. He fled to Mexico and cooked up a plan to overthrow Batista with his brother, Raúl, and a certain Argentine revolutionary named Che Guevara. Back in Cuba, Castro and his ragtag army took to the hills, giving Batista's forces a run for their money. In 1959, Batista packed his bags and headed for exile, leaving Castro in charge.

The United States, not exactly thrilled with this new communist regime, tried everything to get rid of Castro—from assassination attempts to economic embargoes to outright invasions. But Castro was a survivor. He aligned with the Soviet Union, turning Cuba into a nuclear missile base that had the world on the edge of its seat.

Castro turned Cuba into a one-party socialist state, a real-life experiment in communism. He nationalized everything, from farms to factories, and expanded healthcare and education. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Dissent was squashed, and the press was put on a leash.

Castro was a polarizing figure. Some saw him as a champion of the people, a man who stood up to the American bully. Others saw him as a dictator who trampled on human rights and turned Cuba into a poverty-stricken backwater. Either way, you can't deny that he was one of the most colorful characters of the 20th century."

SCANDAL Castro's regime was marred by human rights abuses, including the suppression of dissent and the imprisonment of political opponents.

Castro survived 638 assassination attempts, many bizarre, ranging from poisoned cigars to exploding mollusks. His fierce opposition to the U.S. made him a prime target.

MILITARY RECORD Castro's military career was central to his rise to power. He was a skilled guerrilla fighter and strategist. His leadership during the Cuban Revolution, including the failed attack on the Moncada Barracks, ignited the movement.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Known for his robust health, Castro remained active well into his later years. However, after intestinal surgery in 2006, he stepped down, citing declining health.

HOMES Castro lived in several residences throughout his life, including his family farm in Birán and later in various modest but secure homes in Havana, reflecting his status.

TRAVEL On November 25, 1956, a small, battered yacht named the Granma departed from Tuxpan, Mexico, carrying 82 revolutionaries, including Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, Che Guevara, and Camilo Cienfuegos. Their destination: Cuba. This audacious voyage marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.

The Granma, a 60-foot cabin cruiser, was far from ideal for such a long and treacherous journey. Overcrowded and plagued by mechanical issues, the vessel struggled against strong currents and stormy seas. The original five-day voyage stretched into a grueling seven-day ordeal, leaving many of the revolutionaries seasick and demoralized.

On December 2, 1956, the Granma finally reached Cuban shores, but the landing was far from successful. Instead of landing near Niquero as planned, they were forced to disembark at Playa Las Coloradas, a swampy, inhospitable location. The delayed arrival and the missed opportunity to coordinate with the uprising in Santiago de Cuba further complicated their situation.

Despite the numerous challenges and setbacks, the survivors of the Granma expedition pressed on. Led by Fidel Castro, they retreated to the Sierra Maestra mountains, where they established a guerrilla base. From there, they waged a relentless campaign against the Batista regime, ultimately triumphing on December 31, 1958.

As a world leader, Castro traveled extensively, though his trips were often politically charged, reflecting Cuba’s alliances and conflicts. He was a frequent visitor to the Soviet Union and other communist countries.

DEATH Fidel Castro, the revolutionary leader of Cuba, passed away on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90. His death was announced by his brother, Raúl Castro, who had succeeded him as the President of Cuba in 2008. Raúl delivered the news on state television, saying, "The commander-in-chief of the Cuban revolution died at 10:29 tonight."

The Cuban government declared nine days of mourning after his death. During this time, public activities were suspended, and flags flew at half-mast.

On December 4, 2016, Castro's ashes were interred at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, near the tomb of José Martí, a 19th-century Cuban independence hero whom Castro admired. 

His death marked the end of an era for Cuba, with his brother Raúl Castro continuing his legacy.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Fidel Castro's appearances in the media have been extensive and varied, reflecting his role as a major figure in global politics for nearly five decades. He was frequently depicted in documentaries, news footage, and interviews, often showcasing his fiery speeches, revolutionary zeal, and interactions with other world leaders. Notable appearances include his lengthy United Nations speech on September 29, 1960, which solidified his image as a vocal anti-imperialist. He was also the subject of numerous books, articles, and films that explored his life, ideology, and impact on Cuba and the world.

Documentaries and Films: Fidel: The Untold Story (2001): Directed by Estela Bravo, this documentary provides an in-depth look at Castro's life, with rare archival footage and interviews with key figures.

Cuba: An African Odyssey (2007): Explores Cuba's involvement in African liberation movements, with Castro's influence and decisions being a central theme.

The Cuba Libre Story (2015): A Netflix series that examines Cuba's history with Castro's rise to power and his long rule playing a significant part.

News and Interviews: Castro's interviews with prominent journalists like Barbara Walters, and his speeches were widely broadcast, particularly during the Cold War. His ability to captivate audiences with his rhetoric made these appearances significant.

Books and Articles: He was the subject of countless biographies, with authors exploring his complex personality, leadership style, and the controversial policies he implemented. Works like My Life (2006), an autobiography that he co-wrote with Ignacio Ramonet, give insight into his perspective on key events.

Pop Culture: Castro has been referenced in music, satire, and even animated series like The Simpsons, where his character is often portrayed with a blend of awe and humor, symbolizing his larger-than-life presence on the world stage.

ACHIEVEMENTS Fidel Castro’s achievements include leading the Cuban Revolution, establishing a communist state in the Western Hemisphere, and surviving for decades as a formidable opponent to U.S. influence in Latin America.