Remembering Fidel (Photo Essay)

After his death, Cubans lined the length of the nation's highway for days to watch Fidel's ashes make a cross-country trip back to the region where we has born and where the revolution began.
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Cubans lined the length of the nation's highway for days to watch Fidel's ashes make a cross-country trip back to the region where we has born and where the revolution began.

The faces of a diverse nation lined up to watch Fidel's remains pass by.

The ashes of the physically large Fidel were carried in a small, understated box, draped by a Cuban flag and dragged by a military jeep.

Emotions were raw as Cubans bid adieu to a man many regarded as a second father. Many Cubans express frustration with the nation's system and economic troubles, but retain an admiration for Fidel as a person and a leader who put Cuba on the map.

The slogan "I am Fidel" was chanted throughout the week.

For four days and nights, the caravan traversed the path, in reverse, that Fidel and the rebels took to Havana during the Revolution.

A girl cries as the ashes pass.

A young military serviceman salutes the fallen leader's caravan.

Homemade shrines to Fidel lined the route. 

On the final night of mourning, Cubans filled the plaza in Santiago de Cuba for official remarks by Raul Castro.

Noah Friedman-Rudovsky
Tuesday, April 4, 2017

 

For nearly 60 years, Cuba lived in the shadow of Fidel Castro, with his image, personality and influence touching almost every aspect of daily life. On November 25, 2016 he died, 10 years after falling ill and leaving office. These photographs from his funeral caravan accompany reflections on Castro's legacy from our most recent print issue.

Noah Friedman-Rudovsky is a freelance photojournalist and video journalist currently working in Cuba. Follow his work at www.noahfr.com.