Camilo Cienfuegos

Camilo Cienfuegos Gorriarán was a central figure in the Cuban Revolution.

He was a revolutionary leader who served as a major commander for the 26th of July Movement. Many people considered him the second most important leader after Fidel Castro. Cienfuegos was known for his cheerful and carefree personality. This personality stood in sharp contrast to the strictness of other leaders. He became a symbol of the revolution and remains a martyr in Cuban history.

Cienfuegos was born on February 6, 1932, into a working-class family in Havana.

His parents were Spanish anarchists who had immigrated to Cuba. Anarchism is a political philosophy that seeks to organize society without a central government. His father, Ramón, worked as a tailor and was an active political participant. Even as an infant, Camilo traveled with his father to raise money for the Spanish Civil War. Later, Camilo studied sculpture at an art school. However, he had to leave school due to financial struggles. He also worked in a clothing shop and briefly lived in the United States.

In 1956, Cienfuegos joined the 26th of July Movement in Mexico.

He participated in the expedition to Cuba aboard a boat called the Granma. The landing on December 2, 1956, was extremely difficult. The Cuban National Army attacked the group shortly after they arrived. Many revolutionaries were captured or killed during this period. Cienfuegos was one of only twelve men to survive the initial landing. He eventually found Fidel Castro in the Sierra Maestra mountains with help from local peasants.

As the revolution progressed, Cienfuegos rose through the military ranks. He was appointed to lead the Second Column by Fidel Castro.

He became a captain of a vanguard platoon under Che Guevara. The two men developed a close friendship during their guerrilla campaigns in Las Villas. While Guevara was known for strict discipline, Cienfuegos had a more paternal leadership style. This helped balance the morale of the revolutionary armed forces. They worked together to establish an insurgent economy in areas like El Hombrito. This local system included a hospital, farms, and even factories.

Cienfuegos participated in several intense military engagements. In May 1957, his forces surrounded the Uvero barracks and won. He also led ambushes against the National Army in various valleys. During a fight in February 1958, Cienfuegos was shot twice while trying to retrieve a machine gun. Despite his wounds, he continued to be a vital part of the movement. By December 1958, he won the Battle of Yaguajay. This victory allowed him to lead the capture of Matanzas and Havana.

After the revolution succeeded, Cienfuegos held significant power. The new government appointed him commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

His main task was to reorganize the military. He replaced many members of the old Cuban National Army with guerrilla commanders. These new leaders were more loyal to Fidel Castro. During this time, he also arrested Huber Matos after Matos objected to the consolidation of power. This period marked the transition from a guerrilla movement to a formal government structure.

Cienfuegos' life ended abruptly on October 28, 1959.

He was flying a plane from Camagüey when it disappeared over the Straits of Florida. After several days of searching, the Cuban government presumed him dead. His disappearance led to many conspiracy theories regarding the Castro brothers. However, no evidence was ever found to prove these theories. His death turned him into a revolutionary martyr. Today, Cuba honors him through various institutions, such as the Order of Merit.

Every year on the anniversary of his disappearance, children throw flowers into the water to remember him.