The International Seminar “Fidel por 100pre” was inaugurated this Wednesday at the Bolívar Theater in Caracas, marking the 99th anniversary of the birth of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz. The event serves as a prelude to the centennial commemorations planned for 2026 and aims to deepen public understanding of Castro’s political, social, and cultural legacy.

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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil led the opening ceremony, declaring that Fidel Castro’s influence remains timeless. “It is impossible to speak of Fidel in the past,” Gil said. “We will always speak of him in the future, because the battles he called us to are battles we are still fighting—and will win.”

Gil emphasized Castro’s ability to anticipate historical shifts, describing him as a visionary who stood ahead of his time. “He saw what was coming and knew how to confront it,” Gil said, referencing the ideological challenges of the late 20th century, when neoliberalism and the dominance of global capital threatened popular liberation movements.

The minister also highlighted the deep bond between Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez, noting that their shared vision defied the prevailing belief in the “end of history.” “It’s impossible to speak of Fidel without speaking of Chávez,” Gil stated. “Together, they created what many thought was impossible.”

Recalling Castro’s visit to Venezuela in early 1989—just weeks before the Caracazo uprising—Gil said the Cuban leader recognized the revolutionary potential in the eyes of Venezuelan youth. “Fidel didn’t come to incite rebellion,” he said. “He came because he saw what was already awakening in the people.”

Gil also addressed Castro’s early understanding of Venezuela’s strategic role in Latin American liberation, citing its Bolivarian heritage, geopolitical position, and revolutionary history. He referenced the 1958 overthrow of dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez, noting that the revolutionary forces were later betrayed by elites aligned with Washington.

The seminar also revisited Castro’s support for the 1992 military uprisings led by young officers, including Hugo Chávez, which emerged in response to the social unrest of 1989. “Only in Venezuela did we understand that the military youth were aligned with the people,” Gil said. “While others doubted, Fidel never hesitated.”

The event is organized by the Cuba–Venezuela Solidarity Movement and will extend to 19 states across Venezuela, aiming to engage new generations with Castro’s legacy. Through thematic panels, cultural activities, and historical reflection, the seminar seeks to amplify his enduring influence.

Cuban Ambassador Dagoberto Rodríguez also addressed the audience, affirming that Castro’s revolutionary spirit continues to guide those committed to building sovereign and just societies. “As long as there are revolutionaries who inherit his legacy, Fidel will remain among us,” Rodríguez said.

Blanca Eekhout, president of the Simón Bolívar Foundation, recalled the creation of sovereign media platforms like Telesur and Vive TV, born from the collaboration between Castro and Chávez. “They built tools for the people to fight and win,” she said.

The seminar features four thematic panels: the genesis of Fidel’s political thought, the Cuban Revolution as a social project, international solidarity and peace, and the role of youth in continuing his legacy. Cultural expressions such as music and poetry will complement the discussions.

As Venezuela prepares for the centennial of Fidel Castro in 2026, the seminar “Fidel por 100pre” stands as a call to reflection, unity, and action. It reaffirms Castro’s place not only in history but in the ongoing struggles for dignity, justice, and sovereignty across Latin America.

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