Celebrated with gusto throughout the country, 26 July honours Cuban independence and is a national holiday. The date actually marks the occassion in 1953 when Fidel Castro led an attack on the Moncada garrison in Santiago de Cuba. Although the attack was unsuccessful, it was the beginning of the end of the hated dictator Batista who was eventually overthrown several years later in 1959. And as such, 26 July is regarded as the start of the revolution and is a great time to be in the country to participate in the many declarations of national pride. Celebrations take place throughout Cuba, but the carnivals in Havana and Santiago de Cuba are the biggest and best in the country and involve live music, dancing, singing and plenty of alcohol. Fidel Castro also addresses the nation with a famously lengthy speech which is also broadcast live on Cuban television.

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