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Cuba Marks 49th Anniversary Of Castro's Arrival

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Jan 9, 2008 8:38 am US/Eastern

Cuba Marks 49th Anniversary Of Castro's Arrival

HAVANA, CUBA (CBS4) ― They were partying like it was 1959 in Havana Tuesday night as fireworks filled the sky above Morro Castle to mark the 49th anniversary of Fidel Castro's triumphant arrival in the capital city.

Hundreds gathered along Havana's seafront avenue, the Malecon, to participate in a political rally and watch the fireworks display.

While the event not attended by any high-ranking government officials, Havana's Communist Youth, Cesar Hernandez addressed the crowd.

"We will illuminate the entire city as our people were illuminated 49 years
ago forever by the victory," said Hernandez. "Today we re-affirm with more force than ever: Long live Fidel! Long Live Raul! Long live the homeland!"

While the world traditionally celebrates the start of a new year in January, in Cuba celebrations mark the day dictator Fulgencio Batista abandoned the island on 1 January 1959 and Fidel Castro's rebels gained control of the government.

Seven days after the new year of 1959, Castro and his troops arrived in Havana and were greeted by thousands of sympathisers along Malecon Avenue.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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