Alex Castro reflects on father Fidel's wisdom at Havana exhibition

Alex Castro, son of the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, reflected on his father's enduring wisdom and ability to confront difficulties during the inauguration of a collective photography exhibition in Havana. The event, held on August 13, 2026, celebrated Fidel Castro's 100th birthday.

"With tremendous wisdom" and "that experience, that persistence; and the discipline and his fight for freedom," Alex Castro described how he remembered his father. The exhibition, located in the Plaza de la Revolución, showcased approximately 30 portraits capturing various moments of Fidel Castro's presence at the iconic location.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the exhibition, stating that Castro "synthesizes the values and ideas that today sustain" the Cuban people. He added that on this day, "very particularly in Cuba, we feel that Fidel is a country." Photographers like Liborio Noval, Roberto Chile, and Raúl Corrales shared their personal experiences working with Castro, highlighting his photogenic nature and unique presence.

Roberto Chile noted that Fidel Castro's "stature, his history, his figure, his physique (...) helped him to look good in all the photographs." He mentioned his favorite images, including one displayed at the exhibition, but expressed a wish to capture a new photograph if Castro were to return. Raúl Abreu described Castro's photographic presence as "very peculiar," emphasizing his extraordinary "way of meditating, the way of thinking, the way of reflecting and saying things."

The commemoration of Fidel Castro's centenary also included a political-cultural event at the Karl Marx theater, attended by his brother and former president, Raúl Castro, and other family members. This week has seen various activities across Cuba honoring Fidel Castro, with messages of commemoration sent by the presidents of Russia, China, and Brazil.