On Saturday night, the 150th anniversary of the burning of the city of Las Tunas by Major General Vicente García’s troops was commemorated in front of the large house on what was once Real Street, where the distinguished mambí fighter and his family had lived.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Scenes depicting the indomitable spirit of Doña Brígida Zaldívar and her lineage were enacted, and songs, poems, and paeans to freedom were performed.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. José Ignacio Reyes —a National Pedagogy Award winner— who highlighted the heroism of those who stoked the flames on that day, September 26, 1876.

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The speaker underscored the horror experienced during the events and the families' resolve —following eight hours of fierce, victorious combat— not to surrender the city to Spanish forces.

The commemoration of that historic day’s flames –attended by Las Tunas main political and government officials- served as yet another occasion to highlight the Cuban people's determination never to yield in the pursuit of freedom, in any era.