Anniversary of the outbreak of the Cuban War of Independence (10/10)

Every year on October 10, Cuba celebrates the Anniversary of the outbreak of the War of Independence — a national holiday called Grito de Yara — Grito de Yara («Creek Iara»).

This war went down in history as the War of the Ten Years (Spanish. Guerra de los Diez Años). It began on October 10, 1868 under the leadership of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (1819—1874) and with the help of a small group of Cuban patriots at the «La Demagua» sugar factory.

The commander spoke to the people, calling for the island's freedom and independence by overthrowing Spanish power. On October 11, Cespedes attacked the small town of Yara, from which this revolution took its name, despite the fact that the attack on Yara ended in failure, and the leader escaped with only 12 of his men.

Yet, the Yara Revolution spread throughout the east coast of Cuba, and patriots gathered in several parts of the island agreed to support Cespedes. By the end of October, the uprising had approximately 12 thousand volunteers.

Although the war ended in defeat for independence supporters, it became one of the stages in the Cubans' struggle for the independence of their country.

Currently, the anniversary of the start of the Ten Years war, like any big holiday, is celebrated in the country crowded and noisy. Music sounds and fireworks are set. Cubans gather at the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes in the old part of Havana to express their respect for the «Father of Cuban Independence». These days the monument is simply buried in garlands of flowers.

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