Fidel Castro’s Memorable Visit to Tenerife
“I am very pleased to greet the people of the Canary Islands, whom I particularly admire.” This was the first statement from Fidel Castro as he faced a throng of microphones and cameras on the steps of the Bahía del Duque hotel in southern Tenerife. “The Canarians are especially hardworking; they created the tobacco agriculture in Cuba, dedicated themselves to its cultivation, and are unmatched workers,” he emphasised. Dressed in his olive-green military uniform and with a serene expression, he added a third compliment: “I congratulate you; we try to have Cubans imitate the customs of the Canarians, as workers and as people.”
A Surprise Arrival
The leader of the Revolution, nearing 70 years of age, had just arrived that Saturday afternoon, June 15, 1996, at Tenerife South Airport from Istanbul (Turkey), where he had participated in a United Nations conference on human settlements. During his address, he posed a thought-provoking question: “What good are technological advancements and the global economy if they do not solve the problem of hunger, if the rich countries keep getting richer while the poor get poorer?”
His 21-hour stay on the island caught the government of José María Aznar off-guard. Initially, they attempted to prevent his stopover and later tried to downplay his presence in the country, just days after the Spanish Prime Minister announced to US Vice President Al Gore the suspension of official aid to Cuba, following the recent approval of the Helms-Burton Act, which tightened Washington’s embargo on the island.
Political Tensions
“I have nothing to ask of Aznar’s government; I haven’t thought about that for the moment. I wish him success in his task,” Castro replied softly, amidst long pauses. He then broadened his perspective to the European continent: “I see that many governments are facing difficulties and there are many protests against so-called austerity measures aimed at achieving the political objectives set within the community.”
Pressures from Madrid nearly jeopardised the press conference until the last moment. Ultimately, it was held next to a small roundabout, standing and outdoors. Moreover, a police officer’s error led the convoy of officials to take a construction site access route. Castro did not overlook this: “We entered through the scaffolding under construction, and I wondered what the journalists would think, that we were avoiding seeing or greeting them. We asked about you; where are you? We must go and greet you; it is inexcusable,” he remarked while injecting humour into the situation: “I got a good workout going up the stairs; I needed it.”
That afternoon, Foreign Minister Abel Matutes contacted the Canary Islands’ President, Manuel Hermoso, warning him, with evident anger, that Castro’s visit could create a serious problem between the two countries. “He is our guest,” replied Hermoso, who maintained a cordial relationship with Castro following a visit to Havana.
Curiosity and Questions
As tensions flared behind the scenes of the visit, the Canary Island President managed to escape the intense questioning from his guest, who was insatiably curious: “Don’t you have marble? Is there a volcano erupting? How many staff do you use at a golf course in one day? What do the Canarians call the large territory? (referring to the mainland) Is all that sea between the islands international waters? Can anyone fish here? What treaty was that?”
Reflections on Resilience
With a measured tone, Castro also shared his thoughts on his country in light of new developments from his northern neighbour: “We have a strong capacity to endure and something more that we are discovering: to progress even in complicated conditions, as we are becoming much more efficient. Perhaps one day we will be grateful for these difficult conditions that have forced us to make better use of our country’s resources and advance in spite of the obstacles.”
As night fell on southern Tenerife and the commander prepared to enter his hotel after the lengthy press conference, a final question arose: “Will you come on holiday?” shouted a journalist. He turned and replied wittily: “Maybe, but when will I get the time? My neighbour gives me a lot of work.”
The next day, Castro visited El Teide. Alongside the towering volcano, his doubts this time were directed towards biologist Antonio Machado, who meticulously attended to each of his questions and observations. “Bringing me to Teide was an excellent idea from my hosts. Unforgettable. I really enjoyed it. This place is very interesting and well-kept. I can say I haven’t seen anything like it; there is nothing like it,” he told journalist Carmelo Rivero, admitting that he felt “like a descendant of the Guanches,” referring to his maternal island roots through his mother, Lina Ruz.
While at Las Cañadas and alongside the iconic Roques de García, Lucas Fernández, now President of Grupo Plató del Atlántico and editor of DIARIO DE AVISOS, showed Castro a thousand pesetas note bearing the same image before his eyes. “Keep it as a memento,” he said, to which Castro replied, “Are you its owner? Let’s take a picture together,” and presented him with a unique photograph.
Gazing at the impressive Ucanca Valley, the Cuban leader shared one of his most heartfelt declarations: “I will leave a part of my soul floating amid these volcanoes, and I will cry when I leave because I am departing even more Canarian to Cuba, though I don’t know if I will return.”
An Unforgettable Encounter
His next stop was in Vilaflor, where he engaged in an anecdote with its mayor, José Luis Fumero, who informed him that his municipality could offer the Canary Islands its first saint, which would indeed occur six years later with Pedro de San José de Betancur. The Cuban President listened while holding a glass of local wine and a plate of white cheese. He jokingly responded, “Does Brother Pedro need to perform a miracle to be canonised? Our arrival in Vilaflor is the miracle.”
On the way back to the hotel, the convoy stopped in Arona, where he greeted José Alayón Delgado, affectionately known as Joseíto, a supporter of his revolution and father of councillor Juan José Cheché, who was also present. They concluded with a brief tour of Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas. His final embrace before departing the hotel was reserved for Francisco González Casanova, founder and president of the Canary-Cuban José Martí association and promoter of the Leonor Pérez friendship collective in Havana.
A High-Voltage Farewell
At the conclusion of his visit, Fidel Castro surprised everyone at the foot of the aircraft steps by taking a photograph with a group of civil guards who had accompanied him during his 21 hours in Tenerife. This unprecedented moment marked the end of a high-voltage visit that would never be repeated.
In his final hours in Tenerife, the Cuban President granted an exclusive interview to journalist Natalia Cesteros, published in DIARIO DE AVISOS. In it, he expressed his admiration for José Martí and Simón Bolívar and, when asked what he would eliminate from this world, he did not hesitate: “Imperialism.” He lamented not being able to do more for his people and the world, admitting that his greatest pride was being a “Cuban revolutionary, internationalist, and having a mother with Canarian roots.”
Questioned about the qualities he valued most in a person, he identified two: “integrity and honesty.” After mentioning his fondness for reading and fishing, Castro jested with the journalist in response to her last question: “Is there anything you desire and haven’t yet achieved?” He answered with a half-smile, “A woman from here, from the Canaries.”
I didn’t know this fun fact. Thank you!