Fidel and the World Youth and Student Festivals
By María Josefina Arce
In 1947, Prague, the capital of the then Czechoslovak Republic, was the scene of the First World Festival of Youth and Students, an event that over time has become a space for the defense of peace and in favor of a better world for all.
For 77 years this meeting has promoted solidarity, friendship between peoples and exchange between young people from all over the world who oppose all forms of domination and exploitation.
It is now the city of Sochi, in Russia, the venue of a new edition of this event, in which Cuba has always had an outstanding presence and which on this occasion participates with a delegation of more than a hundred young people from various sectors of society.
As usual, the voice of Cuban youth will be raised to defend the just causes of humanity and the urgency of building a more just, equitable and democratic world.
The Caribbean nation has the satisfaction of having hosted the youth event on two occasions. The first in 1978 in its eleventh edition. Those intense and emotional days were especially significant because of the outstanding participation of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
Nineteen years later, the Cuban capital would once again vibrate with the enthusiasm and impetus of young people from different latitudes. Once again, Fidel would be an indispensable presence.
The historic leader of the Cuban Revolution was undoubtedly an enthusiastic and committed promoter of the World Festivals, and always accompanied the progressive youth movement of the world.Hence, several of these meetings were dedicated to his thoughts and actions in favor of the dispossessed of the world.
Like the one held in 2017 also in the resort city of Sochi. It was a recognition of the validity of Fidel's legacy.But also the 17th Festival held in 2010 in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, paid special tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban revolution.Fidel has been present at every meeting, not only for his tireless struggle for peace and the welfare of humanity, but also for his confidence in the new generations to build better societies.
Now will be no different, the young Cubans, with the strength that distinguishes them, will bring to Sochi the truth of Cuba and its commitment to world peace and social justice, principles that Fidel imbued the revolution.
