Fidel Castro has Died

The death of Fidel Castro has been met with mixed reactions, from Cuban-Americans singing and dancing in the streets to many world leaders offering their condolences. All over Miami, there were celebrations from the Cuban community, even chants of anti-Castro slogans. On the other side of the coin, many world leaders expressed their sorrow.

The revolutionary leader was 90-years-old when he passed away, according to the Cuban government. Within 30 minutes of the announcement, cheers could be heard coming from Miami’s Little Havana, where many people were waving the Cuban flag and cheering “Cuba si! Castro no!” or “Cuba libre!”

It felt unreal to many Cubans that had left Cuba after Castro became the leader. For many, it had been years of waiting and it was a joyous occasion! To many Castro was considered a tyrant and his death is the start of a new way of life for those in the communist bastion in the western hemisphere.

On the other hand, many world leaders were offering condolences to the family of Castro and many Cuban people. The United States president Barack Obama sent his thoughts and prayers, while the president-elect Donald Trump stated “Fidel Castro is dead!” - and condemned the brutal dictator.

The masculine name Fidel is taken from the Late Latin name Fidelis that means “faithful”. There are many notable people with the name, from Fidel V. Ramos the Filipino politician to Fidel Velázquez Sánchez the Mexican union leader, even Fidel Negrete the Mexican long-distance runner. Now the list will include the famous revolutionary leader Fidel Castro the former president of Cuba.