© Calixto N. Llanes
The holiday marks the start of the rebellion against the violent Batista regime that was overthrown in 1959. During this day, Cubans commemorate the rebels that were killed during the first armed uprising in 1953. The holiday is widely celebrated with plenty of parades, flag waving and national songs.
One of the biggest rallies takes place in Santiago city. The marching kicks off at Moncada Barracks and stretches toward the city center. The barracks was once the site of a big attack by revolutionaries guided by Fidel Castro. For this reason, the location is especially important to the locals.
