Former Cuban President Raúl Castro was notably absent from the annual revolution anniversary rally in Pinar del Río on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
It marked his first absence from the historic event in at least three decades, with no public explanation given.
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President Miguel Díaz-Canel presided over the traditional commemoration of the July 26, 1953, assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks.
He read a written message from the 95-year-old former leader to the assembled crowd.
Castro, who holds no formal government positions but remains a key political figure, last appeared publicly in June during an event establishing the Ministry of the Interior.
He also appeared on May 1 for Labor Day celebrations.
Díaz-Canel Addresses US Tensions
During the address, President Díaz-Canel addressed international tensions and rejected recent allegations from Washington. He criticized the United States policy directly.
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"Every day they issue a threat against the revolution, and every week they announce a new punishment for Cuban companies and officials," said Díaz-Canel.
"Cuba is the victim of a coldly calculated genocide," he added.
The remarks come amid an intensified U. S.
oil embargo and economic pressure.
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This has resulted in daily blackouts exceeding 20 hours, reduced workdays, and severe shortages of basic necessities across the island nation.
