May 29 marks a special celebration in Cuba: Tobacco Workers' Day, in honor of the anniversary of the birth of Lázaro Peña González, known as the "Captain of the Cuban Working Class." This iconic leader, born in Havana in 1911, dedicated his life to the fight for workers' rights and the revolutionary cause.
Lázaro Peña: An icon of the Cuban working class
Coming from a modest family, Peña began working at the age of 12, working in various trades such as carpenter, mason and blacksmith. He then joined the cigar factory "El Crédito", where he discovered the difficult working conditions of the workers and forged a revolutionary spirit.
In 1930, at just 18 years old, he joined the Cuban Communist Party, quickly becoming a leading figure in the workers' movement. He played a key role in the general strike of 1933, which led to the fall of dictator Gerardo Machado.
An outstanding union leader
In 1939, Peña was elected general secretary of the Cuban Workers' Central (CTC). Under his leadership, the CTC became a key player in the defense of workers' rights and the mobilization against attempts to fragment the labor movement, especially during the presidency of Carlos Prío. He also participated in the Constituent Assembly of 1939, where the Communist Party made its voice heard.
With the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Lázaro Peña returned from exile and resumed his place as a workers' leader. He played a crucial role in implementing the first major social and economic reforms of the revolutionary era.
An eternal legacy
Until his death in 1974, Lázaro Peña continued to tirelessly defend the interests of Cuban workers. His dedication to the working class earned him the honorary title of "Captain of the Working Class," a symbol of his leadership and revolutionary commitment.
The celebration honors his outstanding contribution to the Cuban labor movement and the tobacco industry, which remains one of the island's key economic sectors.
Tobacco Workers' Day Cuba, Lázaro Peña, tobacco industry Cuba, Cuban labor movement, May 29 Cuba, Cuban revolution, Cuban Communist Party.
Comments