Cuba Independence Day
Saturday, October 10, 2026
In 1868, Grito de. Yara. On October 10, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, known as "The Father of the Homeland," initiated Cuba's fight for independence from Spain with the Grito de Yara
History
Cuba gained independence from Spain on May 20, 1902, following the Spanish-American War and three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The independence movement began on October 10, 1868, with Carlos Manuel de Céspedes' Grito de Yara, initiating the Ten Years' War against Spain. Although Spain suppressed the uprising, Cuban patriots continued the struggle, and José Martí later organized the Cuban Revolutionary Party in the United States. The Spanish-American War of 1898 proved decisive as American forces defeated Spain, leading to the Treaty of Paris. The United States occupied Cuba until 1902, when Cuba was finally granted full independence with Tomás Estrada Palma as president. May 20 marks the official end of American military rule and the establishment of the Republic of Cuba. Cuba's independence from Spain, mediated by the United States, ended nearly four decades of fighting for Cuban sovereignty.
How It's Celebrated
Celebrate by learning more about the occasion, sharing on social media with relevant hashtags, participating in community events, or taking small personal actions that align with the day's theme.