Anniversary of the Playa Girón Victory in Cuba
April 19 · Level 9 · #437 of 2238
Cuba marks this anniversary to commemorate the defeat of a CIA-backed invasion force of Cuban exiles in 1961. Widely known as the Bay of Pigs invasion, the episode became a symbol of defending sovereignty in Cuba's official national memory.
How it is celebrated: commemorative ceremonies and wreath-laying honour those who died defending the island. Museum displays and accounts from participants revisit the fighting.
Most of the captured invaders were later released in exchange for shipments of food and medicine. The failed military operation thus also led to an unusual negotiation over humanitarian supplies.