January 1st ~ Liberation Day in Cuba

January 1st ~ Liberation Day in Cuba

Liberation Day is a holiday only in Cuba that is celebrated on January 1st every year. They are celebrating the removal of President Batista back in 1959.  Because this day is celebrated the same day as the New Year's Day traditions, they also have parades and fireworks all over their country. Of course, they also attend parties or concert events and have feasts as part of the tradition. In this country, they eat Lechon Asado (roast pork), Sanwich Cubano (Cuban sandwich), Arroz y Frijoles (rice and beans), and Ropa Vieja (usually made with shredded beef and beans with tomato sauce/paste).

History of Liberation Day

Back in 1933, Fulgencio Batista became president and ruler of Cuba and then he ruled again from 1952-1959 as a dictator. Before becoming their ruler, he was a working man before joining the military and became sergeant later on in his years. In 1933, he became the most powerful man in the country and took the presidential seat.  During this time, he helped the country in several ways. He expanded the educational system and even helped the growth of the economy. When his first term ended in 1944, he moved out of the country, went to the United States, and lived in Florida for a little while. In 1952, he moved back and decided to become president once more but became a dictator, therefore, this time, he controlled everything including the Congress and press, and even stole from their economy. Years later, in 1959, he fled the country and traveled to the Dominican Republic on the first of January, became exiled in Portugal, and eventually settled in Estoril. Soon after, Castro would become the Prime Minister of Cuba.

Summary

Alias names: Día de la Liberación OR Day of the Liberation
Country celebrating: CUBA
Celebrating activities: Military parades, concerts, feats, fireworks, parties, and festivals; people would also have the day off and spend it with friends and family.
Foods eaten: Lechon Asado (roast pork), Sanwich Cubano (Cuban sandwich), Arroz y Frijoles (rice and beans), and Ropa Vieja (shredded beef and beans sometimes with tomato sauce/paste).

Subject to edits by the instructors